After 26 years at King James, Mrs Stead is leaving us, and the teaching profession, to pursue a whole new career path.

Mrs Stead came to King James in 2000 as the new Head of English, following five years at Walker School in Newcastle where she taught Cheryl Tweedy, who would later become famous as a member of Girls Aloud. During her time with us, she has had a range of job roles including English Teacher, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, MAT Coordinator, Head of Key Stage 4 and Assistant Headteacher. She has taught English Language and Literature to thousands of young people at King James and still has the same passion for the job as she did on day one however, it is time for her to focus on her other passion, running.

Some may not know that in her younger years, Mrs Stead trained with Team GB Athletics in Japan, and she has continued to astound us all with her dedication to long distance running every day, whatever the weather. In fact, she is proud to call herself officially 'one of the fastest old women in the country'! She will now be focusing her time and efforts on athletics coaching and helping her husband to run their family business.

Mrs Stead will be missed by staff and students but we wish her the very best of luck in the future.