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Please note voting closed on Friday 12 June 2026.
In accordance with its by-laws, the GA opened the online ballot for two Elected Trustees on the Board of Trustees to be appointed from 1 September 2026.
There were six candidates for the post: Ben Newborn, Chantal Mayo-Hollaway, David Gardner, Helen Martin, Kate Glanville, Rachel Hawke.
The ballot ran from Thursday 14 May to Friday 12 June 2026.
In order to vote you needed to enter your GA membership number (this is your username for logging onto the GA website) but if you were unable to provide this information we required your full name and postcode so that we can find your number on the GA membership database.
Candidate statements
Ben Newborn
I am passionate about geography and motivated by improving geography education for all young people.
My experiences of being a member of the GA, having presented at the two most recent Conferences, and being a member of the Secondary Phase Committee have made me enthusiastic about contributing to and enhancing our subject association.
I work as Geography Adviser for United Learning (MAT) supporting teachers and learners in 100+ schools across England and managing the geography element of United Teaching, our SCITT programme. In this role I help teachers tap into our large network of geographers, I communicate and work with external groups and organisations, and I coordinate the central curriculum and assessment programme for our group.
I work alongside subject leads and teachers helping them to give our students the best geography learning experience. I spend my time in classrooms and staffrooms across England talking to teachers about what is important for them, in their context, and how they want to see the subject move forward.
I am excited to apply for this opportunity to champion the views of geography teachers across a variety of contexts and play a role in ensuring the GA’s continued strength and impact.
Chantal Mayo-Hollaway
I have experience as a trust lead (David Ross Education Trust and Windsor Academy Trust from July) and was network chair for two years. Having taught for over twenty years in rural, urban, primary and secondary settings across London, West Berkshire, Hampshire, the East and West Midlands, I can see there has never been a more important time to empower students to become active citizens with the tools to tackle the super-wicked problems facing their communities.
I have championed inclusive practice (Voices Project), student empowerment (Future Geographers) and authentic geographical experiences through research, conferences and short form writing. I strongly believe in connecting universities and current research with schools and educators as well as connecting students to real-world geography and geographers. This in turn will ensure that geography is for all and that we create a vibrant, relevant, future place of our subject, thus encourage the next generation of geographers.
I wish to be elected as trustee to support the GA’s collaborative community, spark ideas, platform voices and help teachers during a period of rapid curriculum change. As a trustee, I would work collaboratively to support the GA’s strategic aims and contribute to its long-term impact.
David Gardner
I initially joined the Geographical Association in 1976, as a trainee teacher in Sheffield. I have worked with and for the Association as: a member of a number of Special Interest Groups – Economic and Industrial Understanding, ICT, and as chair of AESIG since 2021; chair of Education Group and Trustee 2011–2016; author of GA publications, and as a consultant for the GA.
I have an extensive professional experience: in schools as a secondary geography teacher, curriculum leader and Deputy Head Teacher; at a national policy level as Curriculum Advisor and National Lead for Geography at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority 2005-2011; PGCE Geography Lecturer – Goldsmiths, Open University, UCL IoE – 2011–2018; author of a wide range of geography textbooks. I have worked on curriculum projects in a number of countries.
It was my honour to be awarded Honorary Membership, at this year’s Annual Conference. I believe the diverse phases of my career provide me with a unique perspective on geography education. I would relish the opportunity to become a trustee of the Association that has meant so much to me through my career, supporting its current and future well-being, particularly as we embark on a new Curriculum and Assessment Review.
Helen Martin
As a member of the Geographical Association for 30 years, I have used their resources and inspiration on a daily basis as my guide and support as a teacher and leader.
In the last 25 years, I have worked with the Early Years and Primary Phase committee, working to support and encourage high-quality outcomes for all children across the Early Years and Primary Phases of Education. I bring a creative and innovative approach to our work, encouraging all primary educators to share their skills with others.
I will bring 18 years of primary headship experience to the role of trustee. Being a leader of two small rural schools in West Sussex for this time gave me deep and focussed insights into the curriculum, pedagogy, governance, safeguarding, compliance, finance, wellbeing and school development and I intend to bring these skills to my role of Trustee.
I come to each role that I complete with a values-led approach, knowing that colleagues work better when they are listened to, understood and empowered. Through a thoughtful and generous leadership style, I hope to bring an up-to-date and enabling experience to the team working on the charitable mission of the GA.
Kate Glanville
I am a geography teacher educator at Birmingham City University, working with undergraduate and postgraduate primary trainees. I am committed to ensuring geography education is inclusive, engaging and equips young people to understand global challenges.
I am seeking election as a Trustee of the Geographical Association to bring a strong primary perspective to the Board of Trustees and to represent members across phases. I am particularly committed to inclusion, ensuring all young people can access high-quality geography education.
My experience spans primary, secondary and higher education, including leading geography and working with children with SEND. My doctoral research explored outdoor learning in primary education for children with SEND, reflecting my passion for fieldwork and local area studies.
I contribute actively to the GA, and have presented annually at Conference since 2022. I currently serve as Co-Chair of the Geographical Education Research Special Interest Group and Secretary of the Early Years and Primary Phase Committee. I am also a founder member of GeogLive!, providing free primary geography CPD internationally.
If elected, I would bring a collaborative approach, strong sector insight and a clear commitment to supporting the GA’s mission and strategic priorities.
Rachel Hawke
Rachel Hawke has been a dedicated Head of Geography for the last 10 years and a member of the GA for 14 years. She has presented at the GA Conference three times and has also written articles for the Teaching Geography journal, having most recently been published in the Autumn 2025 edition.
Rachel is an experienced examiner for Eduqas as well as a regular sharer of resources with fellow teachers. She is a Chartered Geographer and FRGS, which demonstrates her continuing commitment to her subject and CPD.
Alongside her classroom role she has been Lead Subject Mentor for Geography at South West Teacher Training since 2022. She is also a corresponding member of the TEPC, demonstrating her dedication to advancing geographical education.
The new Exeter GA Branch was set up in 2025 and Rachel is co-chair, which further showcases her support for the GA and desire to extend its reach (particularly in areas of the UK that are underfunded), and her enthusiasm for the subject.
As an Elected Trustee, Rachel is eager to grow the membership of the GA and help more teachers to see the benefits of being a part of such an active and vibrant community.
Election voting form
Please note voting closed on Friday 12 June 2026.
