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.
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 H Cashman
Senior Assistant Headteacher / SENCO / Humanities Teacher
Mrs N Daniels
Headteacher / English Teacher
Mr K Derbyshire
Assistant Headteacher / Humanities Teacher
Mr S Dobinson
Assistant Headteacher / Humanities Teacher
Mr D Forshaw
Senior Assistant Headteacher / Humanities Teacher
Mrs K Melia
Assistant Headteacher / Computing Teacher
Mrs M Rothwell
Teacher of Maths / Deputy Headteacher: School Improvement and Progress
Mr P Swain
Teacher of Humanities / Deputy Headteacher: Safeguarding, Character and Culture
Mrs M Ainscough
Teacher of PE / Science / Director of Alternative Provision and ACORN
Mr M Burrows
Maths Teacher / Director of Numeracy
Mr C Mugan
Teacher of Humanities / Director of Enrichment
Mr E Siddall
Teacher of French and Humanities / Director of Evidence-Based Practice
Mrs M Westhead
Teacher of English / Director of Reading and Literacy
Mrs L Wright
Teacher of Maths / Director of Data and Analytics / ECT and ITT Lead
Mrs M Armstrong
Creatives Technician
Miss T Darwell
Teacher of Art and Photography
Mr P Dickinson
Teacher of Art and Photography / Head of Learning Area
Mr D Prescott
Creatives Technician
Mrs S Shaw
Teacher of Art, Photography and DT / Second in Learning Area / House Lead
Mrs S Stanton
Teacher of Cooking and DT
Mrs F Tinsley
Teacher of Art and Photography
Miss H Walsh
Teacher of Art and Photography
Mr Y Atcha
Teacher of Computing
Mrs K Melia
Computing Teacher / Assistant Headteacher
Miss A Rose
Teacher of Performance and Music
Mrs K Wheeler
Teacher of Music and Performance / Head of Learning Area
Miss B Carney
Teacher of English / Second in Learning Area
Mrs N Daniels
Teacher of English / Headteacher
Miss C Ogden
Teacher of English / Associate Head of Learning Area
Mr C Smith
Teacher of English and Performance
Miss S Stedman
Teacher of English / Literacy Lead in English
Miss E Sturdy
Teacher of English / House Lead
Miss K Tierney
Teacher of English / Head of Learning Area
Mrs M Westhead
Teacher of English / Director of Reading and Literacy
Mr D Wilkes
Teacher of English / CPD Support
Mr L Withers
Teacher of English / Marketing Lead
Miss A Wright
Teacher of English
Mr M Blagbrough
Careers Advisor
Mr T Briggs
Teacher of Humanities / Head of Learning Area / Duke of Edinburgh Lead
Mr W Critchley
Teacher of Humanities/ Enrichment Lead / Duke of Edinburgh Deputy
Mr C Mugan
Teacher of Humanities / Director of Enrichment
Mr C Armstrong
Teacher of Humanities
Miss R Beagan
Teacher of Humanities / Second in Learning Area
Mr T Briggs
Teacher of Humanities / Head of Learning Area / Duke of Edinburgh Lead
Mrs H Cashman
Humanities Teacher / Senior Assistant Head / SENCO
Mr W Critchley
Teacher of Humanities/ Enrichment Lead / Duke of Edinburgh Deputy
Mr K Derbyshire
Teacher of Humanities / Assistant Headteacher
Mr S Dobinson
Teacher of Humanities / Assistant Headteacher
Mr J Gregory
Teacher of Humanities / House Lead
Mr C Mugan
Teacher of Humanities / Director of Enrichment
Mr R Ooi
Teacher of Humanities
Mr A Smith
Teacher of Humanities / History Lead
Mr P Swain
Teacher of Humanities / Deputy Headteacher: Safeguarding, Character and Culture
Mrs R Ashton
Teacher of French / Second in Learning Area
Mrs S Braithwaite
Teacher of French
Miss S Leigh
Teacher of French / Head of Learning Area
Mrs P Charnock
French Support
Mr E Siddall
Teacher of French and Humanities / Director of Evidence-Based Practice
Mr M Burrows
Maths Teacher / Director of Numeracy
Miss K Chapman
Teacher of Maths
Mrs R Darbyshire
Teacher of Maths and Science / SENCO
Miss H Devany
Teacher of Maths / AXIOM Lead / Primary Liaison Lead
Mr C Gladwin
Teacher of Maths / Pastoral Lead / House System and ARCH Lead
Miss J Northmore
Teacher of Maths / Assistant SENCO
Mrs M Osbourne
Teacher of Maths / Senior Second in Learning Area
Mrs M Rothwell
Teacher of Maths / Deputy Headteacher: School Improvement and Progress
Miss H Stewart
Teacher of Maths / Head of Learning Area
Miss B Stoneley
Teacher of Maths
Mrs S Williams
Teacher of Maths / Support
Mrs L Wright
Teacher of Maths / Director of Data and Analytics / ECT and ITT Lead
Mr S Bell
Teacher of PE / Primary Liaison Lead
Mr J Glover
Teacher of PE
Mrs S Lowe
Teacher of PE
Mr J Mayor
Teacher of PE / Head of Learning Area
Mrs L Allsop
Head of Head of Learning Area / Science Teacher
Mrs. R. Coombs-Gore
Teacher of Science
Miss R Irving
Teacher of Science
Mr J McCombie
Science Technician
Mr J McKay
Teacher of Science / House Lead
Mrs A Percival
Teacher of Science
Miss D Rothwell
Teacher of Science / EAL Lead
Miss C Simpson
Teacher of Science
Miss C Stratton
Teacher of Science
Mr M Sumpter
Teacher of Science / Second in Learning Area
Miss K Atkinson
Inclusion
Mrs H Cashman
Teacher of Humanities / Senior Assistant Headteacher / SENCO
Ms L Cocking
Inclusion / HLTA
Miss L Colgan
Inclusion
Mrs R Darbyshire
Teacher of Maths and Science / SENCO
Mrs K Ellis
Inclusion
Mrs A Gladwin
Assistant SENCO and Inclusion Lead
Mrs L Lundy
Inclusion
Mr S Marshall
Inclusion
Miss J Monks
Inclusion
Miss J Northmore
Teacher of Maths / Assistant SENCO
Miss L-M Shaw
Inclusion / ORCHARD Lead
Mrs L Smith
Inclusion / Literacy Lead
Mr J Walton
Inclusion
Miss F Williams
Inclusion / Primary Specialist
Mrs Y Wilson
Inclusion
Mr T Yu
Inclusion
Mrs H Aspinall
Human Resources Manager
Mr S Carletti
Site Supervisor
Mrs D Barton
Finance Manager
Mr M Davies
Site Supervisor
Mrs A Dobinson
Finance Officer
Mr P Dwyer
Network Manager
Mr M Fearnley
Site Supervisor
Ms N Hampson
Housekeeper
Miss M Johnston
Admin and Finance Support
Mrs N Manning
Receptionist / Admin
Miss Z Milnes
Network Support
Mr J Picton
Facilities Manager
Mrs A Pye
Finance Assistant
Mrs J Rafferty
Receptionist / Admin
Mrs K Smith
Office Manager / PA to the Headteacher
Mrs D Bonnett
Exams Lead
Ms N Fagan
MIS and Data Manager
Mrs M Rothwell
Teacher of Maths / Deputy Headteacher: School Improvement and Progress
Mrs M Ainscough
Director of Alternative Provision
Mrs N Ashley
Head of Year 9
Mrs J Briscoe
Pastoral Support
Mrs C Foster
Safeguarding officer
Mr D Gaskell
Cover Supervisor
Mrs A Giannoni
Attendance Support
Mrs K James
Head of Year 11 / House Community Lead
Ms B Marsden
Head of Year 7
Mrs K Owen
Head of Year 8
Mr A Power
Head of Year 10
Mrs K Rigby
Senior Attendance Lead / Early Help Coordinator
Mrs H Stockley
Student Services and Pastoral
Miss L Swift
Pastoral Support
Ms C Westhorpe
School Counsellor
