ABOUT
At Cansfield, we believe that the heart of a great education lies in the people who make learning come alive every day.
Our staff is a community of passionate educators, skilled support workers, and caring leaders who are committed to helping every student reach their full potential.
Each member of our team brings unique talents, experience, and enthusiasm to our school. Together, we create a supportive and inspiring environment where students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to grow—both academically and personally.
Headteacher
I studied English Literature at university before training to become an English teacher with a PGCE at Edge Hill University. Teaching has always been a vocation for me, and I have been fortunate to spend much of my career here at Cansfield, a school and community that mean a great deal to me. Since first joining in 2000, I have held a variety of roles including Head of Faculty and Deputy Headteacher, and along the way I have completed several postgraduate qualifications such as the NASENCO Award, Leadership and Management MA courses, and the NPQH.
In 2020, I took on the role of Vice Principal in a large city centre school, which was an invaluable experience and gave me new perspectives on leadership and education. However, my heart remained at Cansfield, and I was delighted to return in 2023 as Director of Teaching and Learning before becoming Headteacher later that year.
Cansfield has always felt like home, and I am deeply proud of the warmth, ambition, and spirit that define our school. I believe passionately in working together as a community — staff, students, parents, and carers — to create the best possible opportunities for our young people. For me, education is about so much more than exam results; it is about helping students grow into confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals who can shape their own futures and make a positive difference in the world.
It is a privilege to serve as Headteacher of Cansfield, and I am excited about the journey ahead as we continue to build on our strengths and support every student to achieve their very best.
Deputy Headteacher
As the Deputy Headteacher at Cansfield High School my role incorporates being the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Strategic Lead of Mental Health and Wellbeing. I am also a passionate History teacher and, in the past, have taught Geography, Life Studies and RE. To prepare me for this, I studied Historical Studies at Manchester University and then went onto to train to be a Secondary School Teacher at Liverpool Hope University. As part of my development whilst at Cansfield I have become a qualified SENDCO and postgraduate certificates in leadership and management.
I started working at Cansfield in 2016 after experience in other high schools in the North West and can honestly say that the experience we give our students at Cansfield is second to none. I am proud of the work we do here and of our students.
Head of Inclusion, SENDCo
Having studied Politics and American Political History at Keele University, I then completed a PGDip in Business Management and a PGCE in History & Citizenship in 2023 and I have been teaching History, Citizenship & PHSE since 2004. As part of my CPD at Cansfield I have also done an MA in Education and Inclusive Practice in 2022 and hold the NASENCo award.
My role here at Cansfield Head of Inclusion which means I lead the SEND provision within the mainstream school and I am the Head of Resourced Provision. I am also the school SENCo.
Assistant Headteacher
As Assistant Headteacher for Behaviour and Culture, I am passionate about creating a positive, respectful, and inclusive school environment where every pupil feels safe, valued, and motivated to succeed. I believe that strong relationships, clear expectations, and a nurturing culture are the foundations that allow children to thrive academically and socially.
My role is not only about promoting high standards of behaviour but also about celebrating positive choices, building resilience, and encouraging pupils to take pride in themselves and their school. I am committed to working closely with staff, pupils, and families to ensure our school remains a place where everyone can achieve their best and where kindness, respect, and ambition shine through in all that we do.
Assistant Headteacher
I have worked at the school for the past eight years and hold whole school responsibility for exams and assessment. I ensure that all examination systems are robust, well-organised, and effectively support students to perform at their best. I also lead on Year 11 progress and academic excellence, making sure that students are thoroughly prepared for their assessments while feeling supported and confident, enabling them to achieve the best possible outcomes.
I studied at Edge Hill University, where I gained a BSc in KS2/3 Teaching. Since then, I have dedicated my career to supporting young people in both their learning and personal development.
Senior Assistant Headteacher
With over two decades of experience in the education sector, I am a highly experienced senior leader committed to fostering excellence in teaching and learning. I hold a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and bring both academic expertise and practical leadership to Cansfield.
Throughout my career, I have held a range of leadership positions, contributing significantly to school improvement, staff development, and student achievement. I am driven by a belief in the transformative power of education, I enjoy working collaboratively with staff, students, and the wider school community to ensure every learner is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
My overall responsibilities at Cansfield involve transitions, Year 7 academic excellence, assembly and form time curriculum and I work closely with the Inclusion Team.
Assistant Headteacher
I studied History at the University of Liverpool and graduated in 2004. In 2006, I qualified as a History Teacher and taught at the Deanery High School until 2012. At the start of the 2013 academic year, I became Head of History & Politics at Calderstones High School in Liverpool. In 2024, I was privileged to be appointed Assistant Headteacher at Cansfield High School with responsibility for Teaching and Learning. I am the lead for year 9 academic excellence, continuing professional development of all staff and our ITT programme.
I am immensely proud to work at our vibrant community school.
Assistant Headteacher
I achieved a First-Class Honours degree in Geography (BSc) before beginning my career in the engineering sector, working on large-scale infrastructure projects. Teaching was always my long-term ambition, and after completing my PGCE at University, I began my career at a school in Manchester, where I became Head of Geography. In 2023, I returned to my former school, Cansfield, as Head of Humanities and in September 2024 I was proudly appointed Assistant Headteacher. Whilst at Cansfield, I have also completed a Masters in Education, achieving a First and receiving the University’s Postgraduate Award. My day to day responsibilities include lead of year 10 for academic excellence and strategic lead of CEIAG.
My purpose and drive as a school leader are rooted in a deep sense of gratitude to Cansfield for shaping the person I am today. The support, encouragement, and inspiration I received from my teachers here played a central role in my journey, and it is both a privilege and an honour to now give back by ensuring every student benefits from the same high-quality education, rich opportunities, and aspirations to succeed. Above all, my commitment is to raise aspirations across our community so that every young person at Cansfield leaves equipped with the knowledge, confidence and character to thrive in the future.
Mrs Nici Daniels
Headteacher / English Teacher
Miss Lesley Archer
Deputy Headteacher / Maths Teacher
Mr Phil Swain
Deputy Headteacher / Humanities Teacher
Mrs Helen Cashman
Senior Assistant Headteacher / SENCO / Humanities Teacher
Mrs Katie Melia
Assistant Headteacher / Computing Teacher
Mrs Michele Rothwell
Assistant Headteacher / Maths Teacher
Mr Dave Forshaw
Director of Personal Development / Humanities Teacher
Mr Kerr Derbyshire
Assistant Headteacher / Humanities Teacher
Mr Sam Dobinson
Assistant Headteacher / Humanities Teacher
Mr Chris Mugan
Director of Enrichment
Mrs Megan Westhead
Director of Reading and Literacy
Mrs Louise Wright
Director of Basics
Mr Phil Dickinson
Head of Faculty / Art and Photography Teacher
Mrs Sarah Shaw
Creatives Teacher/ 2nd in Faculty
Mr Keith Dudley
Computing Teacher/2nd in Faculty
Mrs Sarah Stanton
Food Teacher
Miss Hannah Walsh
Art Teacher
Mr Nathan James
Computing Teacher
Mrs Melanie Armstrong
Creative Technician
Miss Kirsty Tierney
Head of Faculty / English Teacher
Miss Natalie Jenkinson
2nd in Faculty / English Teacher / 2nd in Faculty and curriculum development
Miss Chloe Ogden
2nd in Faculty / English Teacher
Mrs Megan Westhead
Director of Reading and Literacy/ English Teacher
Miss Sharon Stedman
Whole School Literacy Lead / English Teacher
Miss Bethany Carney
English Teacher
Mrs Nicola Daniels
English Teacher/ Headteacher
Miss Emily Sturdy
English Teacher
Mr Dean Wilkes
English Teacher / CPD Support Lead
Mr Lucas Withers
English Teacher
Mr Charlie Smith
English Teacher
Mr Chris Mugan
Head of Enrichment/Science Teacher
Mr Mark Blagbrough
Careers Advisor
Mr Tom Briggs
D of E Award Coordinator / Subject Lead in Humanities
Miss Rebecca Beagan
Subject Lead in Humanities / Humanities Teacher
Mr Tom Briggs
Subject Lead in Humanities / Humanities Teacher
Mr Sam Dobinson
Humanities Teacher / Assistant Headteacher
Mr Kerr Derbyshire
Humanities Teacher / Assistant Headteacher
Mr Rory Ooi
Geography Lead / Faculty Project Lead / Geography Teacher
Mr Chris Armstrong
History Teacher
Mrs Helen Cashman
Humanities Teacher / Senior Assistant Head / SENCO
Mr William Sharrock
Humanities Teacher
Mr Josh Gregory
Humanities Teacher
Mr Phil Swain
History Teacher / Deputy Headteacher
Mr Adam Smith
Humanities Teacher
Mr Will Critchley
Humanities Teacher
Miss Stacey Leigh
Interim Head of Languages
Mrs Rachael Ashton
2nd in Faculty / Languages Teacher
Mrs Steph Braithwaite
Languages Teacher
Mr Eddie Siddall
Languages Teacher / Director of Research Based Practice
Miss Hannah Stewart
Head of Faculty
Mrs Michele Rothwell
Maths Teacher / Assistant Headteacher
Miss Megan McGowan
Maths Teacher / 2nd in Faculty / Numeracy Lead
Mr Mike Burrows
2nd in Faculty / Maths Teacher
Miss Hollie Devany
Maths Teacher / Primary Liaison Lead / Numeracy Lead
Miss Beth Stoneley
Maths Teacher
Miss Lesley Archer
Maths Teacher / Deputy Headteacher
Mrs Louise Wright
Maths Teacher/ Director of Basics
Mr Joe Flight
Maths Teacher / Clubs Lead
Mrs Sandra Williams
Senior Learning Coach
Miss Delphine Wood
Maths Teacher / 2nd in Faculty
Mr Luke Fairhurst
Maths Teacher
Ms Kate Wheeler
Head of Faculty / Performance Teacher
Mrs Steff Lowe
2nd in Faculty / PE Teacher
Mr Jon Mayor
2nd in Faculty / PE Teacher
Miss Anna Rose
Music Teacher
Mr Stefan Bell
PE Teacher / Primary Liaison Lead
Mr Joseph Glover
PE Teacher
Miss Jasmine Taylor
PE Teacher
Mrs Lynsey Allsop
Head of Faculty / Science Teacher
Miss Charlotte Simpson
2nd in Faculty / Science Teacher
Mr Mike Sumpter
2nd in Faculty/Science Teacher
Mrs Alice Percival
Science Teacher
Miss Rhiannon Irving
Science Teacher
Miss Darcy Rothwell
Science Teacher
Mr Chris Mugan
Science Teacher
Mr Jack McKay
Science Teacher
Mr Jonathan McCombie
Science Technician
Mrs Helen Cashman
Senior Assistant Headteacher / SENCO / Humanities Teacher
Miss Helena Fairclough
Assistant SENCO
Mrs Amy Gladwin
Assistant SENCO
Mrs Pam Charnock
Learning Coach
Miss Jessica Northmore
Senior Learning Support Assistant
Miss Katie Atkinson
Learning Support Assistant
Mrs Elizabeth Shaw
Learning Support Assistant
Miss Laura Colgan
Learning Support Assistant
Mrs Yelenna Wilson
Learning Support Assistant
Mrs Kerry Ellis
Learning Support Assistant
Miss Lillie-Mae Shaw
Learning Support Assistant
Miss Kelsey Rigby
Learning Support Assistant
Miss Rachel Darbyshire
Learning Support Assistant
Mrs Diane Barton
Finance Manager
Mrs Helen Aspinall
HR Manager
Mr Jeff Picton
Facilities Manager / Clerk to Governors
Mr Phil Dwyer
Network Manager
Mrs Karen Smith
Office Manager / PA to the Headteacher
Mrs Anna Dobinson
Finance Officer
Miss Megan Johnston
Finance & Admin Assistant
Mrs Adele Pye
Finance & Admin Assistant
Mrs Joanne Rafferty
Receptionist / Admin
Mrs Nicola Manning
Receptionist / Admin
Mr Steve Carletti
Site Supervisor
Mr Mark Fearnley
Site Supervisor
Mr Mark Davies
Site Supervisor
Mr John Clarke
Housekeeper / Cleaner
Mrs Michele Rothwell
Assistant Headteacher
Ms Natalie Fagan
MIS and Data Manager
Mrs Donna Bonnett
Exams Officer
Mrs Margaret Ainscough
Head of Alternative Provision
Mrs Jan Briscoe
Senior Pastoral Lead / Student Intervention Lead
Miss Katie Ferguson
Senior Pastoral Leader
Mrs Kate Fleming
Senior Pastoral Lead / Early Help Coordinator
Mrs Nic Ashley
Head of Year
Ms Rachael Darbyshire
Head of Year
Miss Paige Sapherson-Lawrence
Head of Year
Mrs Kim Owen
Head of Year
Mrs Allison Giannoni
Attendance Support
Mrs Katie Rigby
Senior Attendance Lead
Mrs Kerry James
Student Services Receptionist
Mrs Clare Foster
Safeguarding officer
