Plaque Gallery
The alumni plaque initiative helps to inspire our next generation by showcasing the success stories of former pupils of Monkwearmouth Academy. Plaques installed around our school help to raise aspirations and provide a visual reminder of what people from Sunderland can go on to achieve.
Bob Francis was a pupil at Monkwearmouth School from 1956 to 1963 but Bob has been involved some way with the school for over 60 years - he taught physics and coached rugby teams. He was a local councillor for over 20 years and a long serving school governor.
Hilary Armstrong attended Monkwearmouth School from 1957 to 1964. Hilary worked in social and community work until 1987. She became a Member of Parliament for North West Durham in 1987 to 2010. She was a Member of Cabinet from 2001-2007. Hilary was appointed to the House of Lords in 2010.
Terry Deary attended from 1957 to 1964. Terry Deary is an actor, writer for screen, stage and television and author of over 300 books. He writes fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, his best-selling book and TV series being ‘Horrible Histories’.
Tricia Stewart (1960 - 1966) left our school in 1966 from the lower Sixth Form to train as a Diagnostic Radiographer. In 1973 she left Sunderland and moved to Yorkshire. Tricia was the originator and driving force behind the Alternative WI Calendar, which became a global phenomenon, raising over £6 million in the fight against blood cancer. She is an ambassador for Sunderland because of her calendar.
Ian McNaught (1965 - 1970) Ian went to sea after leaving school becoming a Master Mariner, and Captain of the liner Queen Elizabeth 2. Coming ashore in 2011 he was Chief Executive of Trinity House, London, The General Lighthouse Authority, providing aids to Navigation around our coast and a charity dedicated to the safety, welfare and training of mariners.
Jeff Brown attended Monkwearmouth School from 1972 to 1979. Jeff’s journalism career began while still a pupil. His first sports report appeared in the Sunderland Echo in 1977. After 14 years in newspapers he became a presenter with Tyne Tees TV and BBC Look North.
Melanie Hill attended from 1973 to 1980. Melanie headed to London to study at RADA then went on to star in some of our best loved TV shows starting off with the iconic 'Auf Weidersehen Pet', Aveline in 'Bread' and Cathy Matthews in 'Coronation Street'.
Duncan Wood (1974 - 1981) Duncan left our Sixth Form in 1981 for the Sunderland Echo before he moved into broadcasting as a newsreader at Metro FM. He spent 32 years presenting for ITV, anchoring shows at Tyne Tees, ITV Yorkshire and nationally at GMTV.
Adam Walter (1975 - 2009) Adam taught PE, Geography and PSE at Monkwearmouth for 34 years. His enthusiasm and cheerful personality helped make him a well loved teacher. Very proud of the school he would often say "Look the best, act the best, be the best!".
Darren Reichard (1983 - 1988) Darren started his career at the BBC in 1997, mastering camera operation. He won an Emmy Award in 2018 for his camera work at the US Open tennis tournament. Darren has worked on all four Grand Slam tournaments; Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.
Liz Graham (1987 - 2021) Mrs Graham taught every pupil swimming at Monkwearmouth School. She always had time for everyone and provided support to those who needed it. She is greatly missed.
David Bruce attended Monkwearmouth School from 1991 to 1996. David left Sunderland and set his sights on building football in the USA. After an undergraduate stop at Northumbria, he found himself studying for a sports MA at the University of Oregon before landing a job with MLS. It was here that David became Chief Marketing Officer and helped define the path of the league as it grew from 17 to 30 teams. Now David is back in Sunderland at SAFC as their Chief Business Officer.
Jill Scott (1998 - 2003) Leader, Lioness, Long-distance runner turned international football star. Starting her career a stone’s throw away in Fulwell, Jill went on to have an illustrious career, retiring with 161 England caps and a Euros winners’ medal in 2022. In November 2022, Jill won the 22nd series of 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' and was crowned "Queen of the Jungle". In June 2023, she became the first female player to captain England for 'Football Aid'.
Jonathan Carlisle (2003 - 2008) Jonny has swam for Britain all over the world and went to the Olympic trials in 2008, 2012 and 2016. He made over 20 international appearances with his highlight of career becoming National Champion in 2014 and becoming the 4th fastest British backstroker of all time. After retiring from swimming Jonny set up award winning swim school SWIM CITY and has taught thousands of North East children since 2016.