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The Team

The team at Dean Gibson will go above and beyond to help your child achieve their full potential both academically and emotionally.

  • Teaching Staff

    • Mrs Sarah Tansey

      Mrs Sarah Tansey - Executive Head Teacher on the Staffing & Curriculum, Community & Welfare and Finance & Premises Committee

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        all through my early professional life, when I had worked in a merchant bank, in an antiquarian bookshop and in the Head Office of the Burton Goup, I still had a nagging feeling that what I really wanted to do was teach. My first teaching practice, in a tiny church school, was exhilarating and gave me that light bulb moment when I knew teaching was for me!

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Rough, my English teacher, who brought her lessons to life by using artefacts and whose teaching was mesmerising in its delivery. She was a great role model and lived and breathed literature. Her performance in The Shadow of a Gunman at the Neptune Theatre in Liverpool remains etched on my memory.

        Declaration of Business Interests: Executive Head Teacher at St Cuthbert's, Windermere. Declaration made 16.09.19

    • Mrs Clare Ritchie

      Mrs Clare Ritchie - Reception Teacher, Deputy Head and Head of School

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        I'm proud to say that my interest in, and love of, working with children comes from my Mum. She showed me that you can make a difference in the life of all children by nurturing their enthusiasm for learning.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        As a proud past pupil of DG, my favourite teacher was Miss Dobson, she inspired a love of reading and books in me.

    • Mrs Emily Martin

      Mrs Emily Martin - Year 1 Class Teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        I love spending time with children and want to help educate and mold the next generation.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Vaughan - she really inspired me to have a love of learning.

    • Mr Mark Ashburn

      Mr Mark Ashburn - Year 3 Class Teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        During year eleven work experience I was placed in a primary school and enjoyed every minute of it so decided to pursue a career in teaching. Having some great teachers during my school years inspired me to become a teacher.

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        “Mr Ashburn, watch out it’s going to fall….!”
        (seconds before a Science experiment went wrong.)

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        My primary school teacher Mrs Bates was my favourite teacher because she brought topics to life and inspired a love of learning. She was also cheerful and caring, two key attributes a teacher must have.

    • Miss Stacey Hodgson - Year 2 Class teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        My insiration for teaching came from my own primary schooling and the teachers who taught me. I was lucky enough to be taught in a small, rural primary school where our love of teaching was inspired and nurtured and where our teachers shared their passion for teaching us new things.

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        "I've got it!" A lightbulb moment from a child after persevering with something they found a bit tricky.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Hendersdon, she taught us to always believe in ourselves and brought our learning to life through her creativity. She was a real inspiration.

    • Mrs Janet Thorn

      Mrs Janet Thorn - Year 5 Class Teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        I found school hard. I couldn't read and that made everything difficult. When I went into Junior 2 (Year 4) I had Mrs Bamber as a teacher. She diagnosed me with dyslexia. After that I was given special teacher who helped me develop strategies so I could learn to read. All of a sudden things started to become clear to me. School became easier and I caught up with those around me. I want to be like Mrs Bamber, to help all children enjoy school.

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        I thought Year 6 would be hard, but it's also quite fun.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Bamber

    • Miss Shannon Pennington

      Miss Shannon Pennington - Year 4 Class Teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        I have always loved working with children.  They allow you to see the world differently and amaze you with some of their thoughts and knowledge. There really is never a dull moment! As a teacher I enjoy being able to say I have played my part in helping the community of our future.

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        "Is it dinner time yet?" (3 minutes into the lesson!)

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        My Year 5/6 Teacher, Mr Lucas, he was a great laugh and made everything funny.  I remember having to keep showing him how to use the computer as he was not very technological.

    • Miss Louise Mahon

      Miss Louise Mahon - SENCo, Safeguarding Leader, Year 6 Class Teacher & on the Staffing and Curriculum Committee

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        I enjoy the company of children, they are miniature walking miracles, full of thoughts and ideas and laughter and, at times sadness; and all of that deserves attention, nurture and peace to grow. How amazing to be able to be the facilitator of that

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        Too numerous from which to choose just one. The most recent involved a discussion about the book 'Northern Lights' by Phillip Pullman.

        Me: Let's look at some images of the actual Northern Lights.

        Child: oooo! Aren't they in Blackpool?

        Me: No, not quite.

        Or;

        Me: I used to play this game when I was small.

        Child: Oh, it must be really old then.

        Me: Sigh.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        I don't have one, although I do know the kind of teacher I don't want to be. Effective teachers put the whole child first, whatever their strengths, whatever their challenges.

        Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 11.07.19

  • School Management

    • Mrs Sarah Tansey

      Mrs Sarah Tansey - Executive Head Teacher on the Staffing & Curriculum, Community & Welfare and Finance & Premises Committee

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        all through my early professional life, when I had worked in a merchant bank, in an antiquarian bookshop and in the Head Office of the Burton Goup, I still had a nagging feeling that what I really wanted to do was teach. My first teaching practice, in a tiny church school, was exhilarating and gave me that light bulb moment when I knew teaching was for me!

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Rough, my English teacher, who brought her lessons to life by using artefacts and whose teaching was mesmerising in its delivery. She was a great role model and lived and breathed literature. Her performance in The Shadow of a Gunman at the Neptune Theatre in Liverpool remains etched on my memory.

        Declaration of Business Interests: Executive Head Teacher at St Cuthbert's, Windermere. Declaration made 16.09.19

    • Mrs Clare Ritchie

      Mrs Clare Ritchie - Reception Teacher, Deputy Head and Head of School

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        I'm proud to say that my interest in, and love of, working with children comes from my Mum. She showed me that you can make a difference in the life of all children by nurturing their enthusiasm for learning.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        As a proud past pupil of DG, my favourite teacher was Miss Dobson, she inspired a love of reading and books in me.

  • School Governors

    • Mrs Sarah Tansey

      Mrs Sarah Tansey - Executive Head Teacher on the Staffing & Curriculum, Community & Welfare and Finance & Premises Committee

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        all through my early professional life, when I had worked in a merchant bank, in an antiquarian bookshop and in the Head Office of the Burton Goup, I still had a nagging feeling that what I really wanted to do was teach. My first teaching practice, in a tiny church school, was exhilarating and gave me that light bulb moment when I knew teaching was for me!

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Rough, my English teacher, who brought her lessons to life by using artefacts and whose teaching was mesmerising in its delivery. She was a great role model and lived and breathed literature. Her performance in The Shadow of a Gunman at the Neptune Theatre in Liverpool remains etched on my memory.

        Declaration of Business Interests: Executive Head Teacher at St Cuthbert's, Windermere. Declaration made 16.09.19

    • Mrs Maureen Calnan

      Mrs Maureen Calnan - Chair Person & member of the Staffing & Curriculum and Finance & Premises Committee

      I have been a school governor for over 20 years. At the present time I am Chair Person of Dean Gibson as well as serving on the Staffing and Curriculum and the Finance and Premises committee.

      As a retired Head Teacher I would suppose that I had had enough of education and all the political changes that go with it, but I am passionate about Catholic schools and the ethos that they pass on to each generation of children. My children and grand children have had and have the privilege of attending Roman Catholic schools.

      I continue to keep up to date with educational change and trend by working for the Diocese ( when they call me)! On a voluntary basis. I have also been appointed as a National Leader of Governance for several years.

      Declaration of Business Interests: Links to other educational establishments - only through work with National Leaders of Governance Business. Declaration made 16.09.2019

    • Mr Fr Hugh Pollock

      Mr Fr Hugh Pollock - Parish Priest and Foundation Governor on the Finance and Premises Committee

      I arrived in the parish in September 2012. This was my first experience of Primary School for many years and has been very interesting in the fast-changing life of education at the moment.

      So much is happening at the moment that it is an exciting time to be in education, perhaps that should be challenging. I have certainly come to see what a dedicated staff we have, and how very dedicated they are to the children.

      Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 21.06.19

    • Miss Louise Mahon

      Miss Louise Mahon - SENCo, Safeguarding Leader, Year 6 Class Teacher & on the Staffing and Curriculum Committee

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        I enjoy the company of children, they are miniature walking miracles, full of thoughts and ideas and laughter and, at times sadness; and all of that deserves attention, nurture and peace to grow. How amazing to be able to be the facilitator of that

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        Too numerous from which to choose just one. The most recent involved a discussion about the book 'Northern Lights' by Phillip Pullman.

        Me: Let's look at some images of the actual Northern Lights.

        Child: oooo! Aren't they in Blackpool?

        Me: No, not quite.

        Or;

        Me: I used to play this game when I was small.

        Child: Oh, it must be really old then.

        Me: Sigh.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        I don't have one, although I do know the kind of teacher I don't want to be. Effective teachers put the whole child first, whatever their strengths, whatever their challenges.

        Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 11.07.19

    • Mrs Stella Kerigan

      Mrs Stella Kerigan - Foundation Governor, Staffing and Curriculum Committee

      Declaration of Business interests: Nil. Declaration made 03.10.19

    • Mr Michael Dinneen

      Mr Michael Dinneen - Foundation Governor, Finance & Premises Committee

      I am originally from Manchester and attended St Bede's College for 7 years and then went to Leicester to study and achieved a 2:1 honours degree in economics.

      I am currently a treasury director for a company in Manchester where I actively hedge the company's currency and commodity flows.

      I moved to Kendal 14 years ago and married Emma. We have two wonderful children in Anna and Charlie who have both attended Dean Gibson.

      My passions in life are rugby, cricket and quizzes.

      Declaration of Business Interests: Married to Mrs Emma Dinneen who works in the admin office at Dean Gibson. Declaration made 18.09.19

    • Mrs Suzanne Edmunds

      Mrs Suzanne Edmunds - Foundation School Governor, Staffing & Curriculum Committee

      I am Suzanne Edmunds and have 2 grown up children and 3 grandchildren, 2 of which are at Dean Gibson School. 

      I was a science graduate and worked in Immunology Research untill I had my children.

      I now work part time at the Abbot Hall Art Gallery and spend alot of time with my grand children.

      Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 09.06.19

    • Mrs Mary Wellock

      Mrs Mary Wellock - Parent Governor, Community & Welfare Committee

      After spending 12 years nursing at Royal Preston Hospital I moved back to Kendal about 12 years ago. I now still practice as a nurse whilst raising our 2 boys with my husband Ryan. 

      As a Catholic myself and an ex Dean Gibson pupil the School was always our first choice for the boys and we are thrilled they are benefiting from the same nuturing environment where Christian values are fundamental to the ethos of the School.

      My desire to take on the role of a Parent Governor is I guess my way of saying thank you. I hope my nursing background will enable me to become a productive member of the Community & Welfare Committee.

      Declaration of Business interests: Nil. Declaration made 03.10.19

    • Mr Andrew Lucas

      Mr Andrew Lucas - Foundation Governor, Finance & Premises Committee

      I am a qualified computer science and computing teacher/lecturer and a passionate believer in achievement through education and fun.  I have been involved in education for over 19 years and a governor for a little over a year.

      I feel it is a privilege to play a small part in the continued growth and success of the school and am constantly amazed at the professionallism and dedication of the staff.  These values, together with a strong Catholic ethos have inculcated an atmosphere of attainment that is almost palpable.

      Declaration of Business Interests: Lecturer at Kendal College. Declaration made 20.06.19

    • Mr Dan Scott

      Mr Dan Scott - Associate Governor, Finance & Premises

      I had always wanted my own business and worked in a number of different industries, but when I started in training, I realised this was my true passion.   I started my own business with my wife, Jayne in 2004.  I love to see people developing and most importantly their confidence and improving their lives.

      I have hundreds of hobbies that pass and go, but one that has really grabbed me is Sheepdog trialing, which like the business offers new challenges.


      Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 10.05.19

    • Mrs Jayne Scott

      Mrs Jayne Scott - Associate Governor, Finance & Premises

      I am originally from Barrow and have lived in Kendal for 20 years now. I'm Mum to Jamie and married to Dan Scott.

      I run a successful training company called PHX Training Ltd which I set up 15 years ago with my husband, I work as the Finance Director.  We help unemployed people get back into work and re-train and up skill them, hoping to make a difference to their lives and well being. 

      I enjoy the outdoors and have 2 barmy border collies called Sweep and Benji.

      Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 10.05.19

    • Mrs Mary Biddle

      Mrs Mary Biddle - Foundation Governor, Community & Welfare Committee

      I have been working with children and young people for the past 18 years in a variety of settings including formal and informal education, the charity sector and youth ministry.  I am a member of the Salesian Family and through this, I have volunteer on many youth projects, including working in Kenya and Tanzania.

      I am a past pupil of Dean Gibson and look back on my time at the school with sincere gratefulness.  My husband and I are delighted that our children now attend this special school.

      St. John Bosco said that 'It is not enough to love the young; they must know that they are loved.'  As a member of the Community and Welfare Committee, I will strive to support our school community in continuing to ensure that every child feels valued.

      Declaration of Business Interests: Linked to 'Youth Presence' Charity and a member of staff at Queen Elizabeth School. Declaration made 17.09.19

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Contact information

Shannon Pennington

Miss Shannon Pennington - Year 4 Class Teacher

Emily Martin

Mrs Emily Martin - Year 1 Class Teacher

Janet Thorn

Mrs Janet Thorn - Year 5 Class Teacher

Clare Ritchie

Mrs Clare Ritchie - Reception Teacher, Deputy Head and Head of School

Mark Ashburn

Mr Mark Ashburn - Year 3 Class Teacher

Sarah Tansey

Mrs Sarah Tansey - Executive Head Teacher on the Staffing & Curriculum, Community & Welfare and Finance & Premises Committee

Maureen Calnan

Mrs Maureen Calnan - Chair Person & member of the Staffing & Curriculum and Finance & Premises Committee

Louise Mahon

Miss Louise Mahon - SENCo, Safeguarding Leader, Year 6 Class Teacher & on the Staffing and Curriculum Committee

Miss Stacey Hodgson - Year 2 Class teacher

Dan Scott

Mr Dan Scott - Associate Governor, Finance & Premises

Jayne Scott

Mrs Jayne Scott - Associate Governor, Finance & Premises

Read more about the team

Additional Information

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Dean Gibson Primary School, Hawesmead Avenue, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 5HB
Telephone: 01539 723363. Email: admin@deangibson.cumbria.sch.uk
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