Our school leaders are the embodiment of our vision – supporting every pupil to reach their full potential and empowering colleagues to flourish in their roles. Our school leaders are a highly collaborative and supportive group, working together to drive continuous improvement not only in their own schools, but across the trust.
Head of School, Ellenborough AcademyCareer Summary
I have worked in education since 2002, firstly as a teaching assistant. As I had young children, I continued working whilst studying a Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning. I added to this via the Open University and the University of Cumbria in order to gain a Degree in Child and Family Studies. I then completed my PGCE and successfully gained employment in one of my placement schools and I have worked there since. I completed my NPQSL in 2021 and then became Head of School in 2022, and I am now nearing the end of my NPQH.
What drives you in your role as a school leader?
The biggest motivator is the fact that I can make a difference. I enjoy seeing our school community working together and knowing that I play a key part in this. It gives me a sense of purpose seeing the impact on the pupils, their families and our staff and I feel privileged to do this job.
Headteacher at Penny Bridge CE AcademyCareer Summary
I started my career in education as teacher at Woodheys Primary School Sale, Manchester in 2000. After two years, I decided to take a break from teaching to travel and work in the Alps, gaining diverse experiences and working in the hospitality industry.
In 2004, I returned to the UK and ran a successful cafe/restaurant in Ulverston until 2008, where I developed my management and customer service skills and understanding the pressures of running my own business. However, my passion for education brought me back to teaching. I joined Newbarns Primary School as a Year 5 teacher.
In 2011, I moved to Penny Bridge CE Primary School, taking on the role of Year 5/6 teacher and was then promoted to Deputy Head in 2015, supporting the school through the academisation process. In 2020 I stepped up as Acting Headteacher, which resulted in me being extremely pleased to be appointed as full-time Headteacher in December 2021.
What drives you in your role as a school leader?
With a deep commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment, I thoroughly enjoy leading and managing Penny Bridge CE Academy and contributing positively to my local community on the edge of the Lake District.
Executive Headteacher of Braithwaite, Dean and LortonCareer Summary
I started teaching in a small village school in Surrey straight from college and spent my early career mainly in Year 1 and 2, moving into leadership as ‘Head of Lower school’ in a two form entry Catholic school, where I also had some experience as an acting deputy.
I moved to Cumbria in 2007 to take up the headship of Braithwaite School, in the village I had first visited on honeymoon 15 years earlier. Whilst at Braithwaite I spent two terms working part time as an Associate General Advisor for Cumbria Learning Improvement Service.
Working with the Good Shepherd Trust team
Braithwaite made the decision to join the Good Shepherd Trust in 2015, being the third school to join. The opportunity arose to become Executive Headteacher of Dean and Braithwaite Primary Schools in 2019 as a result of a restructure in both schools; we started seeing the benefits of working as a cluster of small schools, sharing expertise and experience between schools, and with Lorton being geographically midway, started to involve Lorton in some of our cluster work. I became Executive Head of Lorton as well in January 2024.
What drives you in your role as a school leader?
I particularly enjoy leadership development, seeing staff grow and develop in confidence, and am motivated by being able to make a difference to children’s lives and have a positive impact on their life chances, as I believe all children deserve the best chance we can give them.
When not in school I can be found walking my dogs in the Keswick area, enjoying delicious food or on holiday somewhere sunny.
Head of School at Braithwaite CE Primary SchoolCareer Summary
I have taught primarily on the west coast of Cumbria for almost 20 years, including as an Assistant Head, an English SLE and ITT tutor.
Working with the Good Shepherd Trust team
Being part of GST means I’m never alone in a problem and always have someone on hand to talk to and collaborate with which ultimately leads to better outcomes for all.
What drives you in your role as a school leader?
I have a passion for supporting everyone within the school family to be able to speak for themselves through raising literacy and oracy skills as well as self-esteem and confidence so that they may be defined on their own terms and not others. Working to support whole families and provide school environments that are nurturing and welcoming to all is at the heart of my approach to education.
Headteacher at Kirkland CE AcademyCareer Summary
I graduated from Charlotte Mason College in 1998 with a BA Honours degree in Environmental Science and Outdoor Studies in Primary Studies. I gained my first position as an NQT at Eaglesfield Paddle CE Primary School where I quickly took on different roles within the school. In the year 2000 I was honoured with the title of Most Outstanding New Teacher in the North East and Cumbria. I continued my journey at Eaglesfield becoming Deputy head and also acting headteacher. In January 2016 I took on the role as acting headteacher at Lazonby CE School. In September 2016, after interview I was delighted to accept the role of Headteacher.
About Me
In my spare time I love to get out running and biking both on road and off road, riding the trails and mountains in the Lake District. During my holidays you can find me fishing at Neist point on the Isle of Skye or on Loch Dunvegan and spending precious moments with my family in the outdoors. Weekends are family time walking, cycling, running and riding on open top buses; a favourite thing to do for our daughter.
Working with the Good Shepherd Trust team
I have worked at Lazonby CE School and within the Good Shepherd Trust for almost 10 years and appreciate the support not only from the central offices but other leaders within the Good Shepherd Trust.
I have a passion for working with SEND children and continue to develop my own knowledge of neurodiversity. As a parent of a child who is non-verbal and autistic I aim to continue to develop my knowledge in order to help her flourish. This year I am leading our SENDco group. We meet on a regular basis and support each other around paperwork, new legislation, but more importantly about the needs of children. This year we will be working together to ensure our IEPS and our waves of provision work for us as a trust.
What drives you in your role as a school leader?
I believe that the children should be at the heart of what we do here in school and that the decisions we make are based around those children in our care. Using the outdoor environment, our local community, and church to learn are important in the way that we teach children. It is of utmost importance that we help our children to Dream, Believe and Achieve as well as helping them to live life in all its fullness.
Headteacher at Kirkland CE AcademyCareer Summary
I am currently in the role of Acting Headteacher at Kirkland C of E Academy. I have 13 years teaching experience and over 10 years experience as a part of a school leadership team. I have taught all ages from nursery to year 6 and currently teach in Key Stage 2.
About Me
When I’m not in school, I like to take my two young children for walks around the lakes or to our local beaches to collect sea glass.
Working with the Good Shepherd Trust team
I am passionate about learning and enjoy working with others within school and across the Trust to ensure our wonderful pupils’ flourish and reach their full potential.
What drives you in your role as a school leader?
Teaching and learning have always been a passion of mine and I am delighted to be in the role of curriculum lead for the Trust.
Head of School at Dean CE Primary SchoolCareer Summary
Primary education has always held my heart. I have always worked in education, starting out with work experience before training as a Teaching Assistant supporting children with SEND. Since then, I have gained over 15 years’ experience as a teacher across a range of settings and key stages. Over the years, I have worked as a class teacher, SENCo, and senior leader, building a wealth of knowledge that I continue to draw on every day.
Working with the Good Shepherd Trust team
Within our trust, I lead the EYFS support group and am also part of the SEND group, both of which allow me to share good practice, support colleagues, and help ensure that every child has the very best start and opportunities.
As Head of School, my role is to provide high-quality education for all children while also serving our wider community. I work closely with staff, families, and trust colleagues to create a safe, nurturing, and ambitious learning environment where every child can thrive.
About Me
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and making the most of the wonderful outdoors we are lucky to have on our doorstep.
What drives you in your role as a school leader?
At the heart of everything I do as Head of School is a belief in valuing everyone—children, staff, and families alike—and in celebrating successes, big and small, so that every member of our community feels recognised, supported, and proud to be part of our wonderful school.
Head of School at Lorton CE Primary SchoolHaving spent over 25 years at Lorton School, I have enjoyed teaching every year group; I think it is safe to say that Lorton School is my extended family!
Career Summary
After 9 years of class teaching, I was extremely fortunate to be appointed as headteacher and I was able to embrace the significant changes seen in education whilst making sure the needs of the children were at the forefront of everything we did. Together with great staff, we implemented improvements that supported a thriving learning environment, ensuring every child had the tools needed to succeed.
About Me
My spare time is often spent on the golf course trying to lower my handicap! Winter months see less opportunities for me to do this, so unless I manage to travel abroad for golf, I tend to spend more time walking, reading and cooking.
What drives you in your role as a school leader?
After serving as headteacher until Sept 2023, I made the rewarding choice to return to the classroom, fuelling my passion for hands-on teaching. In my current role as Head of School, I blend my teaching experience with leadership; cherishing the interactions with our children whilst still being able to play a part in overall school improvement, working closely with our Executive Headteacher.
My goal is to foster a love of learning and a nurturing environment for every child.
Headteacher at Whitfield CE Primary SchoolCareer Summary
I qualified as a teacher in 2006 at the University of Cumbria and spent 18 years teaching in a large rural school in Cumbria. During this time, I worked across all key stages, including EYFS, which gave me a broad understanding of the full primary journey. My greatest passion lies in Upper Key Stage 2, where I enjoy helping pupils develop independence, resilience, and a love of learning as they prepare for secondary school.
About Me
Away from school, I am happiest outdoors. With a strong background in farming and gamekeeping, I embrace rural life and enjoy sharing it with my family. I live with my husband and children on our smallholding, where we care for a wide variety of animals. Whether we are working together on the farm, walking in the woods, or exploring the fells, the countryside plays a central role in our family life and is a constant source of inspiration and balance for me.
What drives you in your role as a school leader?
Since joining Whitfield C of E School in 2024, I have found a real passion for leadership and enjoy the daily challenges and rewards that come with running a school. I am motivated by the opportunity to shape a nurturing, ambitious school culture where children, families, and staff feel supported and empowered to succeed.
Career Summary
I am a passionate and enthusiastic teacher and leader with over 25 years’ experience in education. Throughout my career, I have taught across every year group from Nursery to Year 6 and continue to find great joy in watching children flourish—whether that’s seeing the youngest learners take their first steps in education or supporting the oldest pupils as they spread their wings and move confidently into secondary school.
I have worked in five different schools across Cumbria, beginning my journey in an Infant School, then moving to a Junior School and later a full primary setting. This breadth of experience has given me a deep understanding of the varied ways schools operate and the many facets of teaching and leadership. Beyond the classroom, I have served as an Educational Consultant and Area SENDCo for the local authority when Cumbria was a unitary authority. In that role, I worked with a range of schools to drive school improvement and raise outcomes for children, with a particular focus on inclusive practice.
About Me
Outside school, I enjoy running and walking in the beautiful Cumbrian hills, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new places around the world. Global learning is a passion of mine, and I have been fortunate to work voluntarily in schools in Holland, Kenya and The Gambia—experiences which have enriched both my teaching and my outlook on education.
What drives you in your role as a school leader?
I relish the privilege of helping children, staff, and the wider learning community reach their full potential.
I am especially passionate about outdoor learning and making the most of our stunning Lake District setting. I also have a strong commitment to ensuring all children have the very best start in literacy—learning to read through high-quality texts and finding inspiration and confidence in their writing. My background includes experience as a Leading Literacy Teacher and as an EYFSP and KS1 Writing Moderator.
Partnership with parents is something I value deeply; I believe that education is most powerful when home and school work together to nurture curiosity, resilience, and joy in learning.
At the heart of my role is a commitment to ensuring every child is known, valued, and supported to thrive—academically, socially, and spiritually—within a loving, inclusive, and inspiring school community.
Headteacher Gilsland CE Primary SchoolCareer Summary
I have taught for over 20 years in schools in Manchester, Cheshire and for the last 15 years in Cumbria. I also work as part of the NNW Maths Hub, helping schools to adapt a mastery approach to maths teaching.
About Me
I enjoy going into the lake district, walking and paddle boarding and also love to spend the summer travelling.
Headteacher, Ambleside C of E Primary School
Headteacher, Wreay C of E School
