Debbie Tinkler
Headteacher, DSL and EY SENCo
Hi, I'm Debbie Tinkler, Headteacher at Bolton Primary School. I am proud to be the Headteacher of Bolton Primary School and am currently in my second year of headship. Bolton has been a huge part of my professional journey, having joined the school in 2012 after graduating from the University of Cumbria in 2011. Although my role has changed over the years, I still love being in the classroom and working directly with our children. I teach in Class 1 every Monday and deliver Computing lessons across the school. I also lead Reading and Computing and coordinate an Early Years network for teachers and teaching assistants across 12 local schools. I am passionate about ensuring every child receives the very best education and experiences a school journey filled with success, happiness and opportunity. Building strong relationships with children, families and staff is at the heart of everything I do, and I believe that every child should feel valued, supported and inspired to achieve their full potential. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and children, exploring the outdoors on long walks and travelling whenever I get the chance. I feel incredibly privileged to lead such a wonderful school community and look forward to working together to ensure every child thrives during their time at Bolton Primary School.
Andrea Moody
Early Years Specialist Teacher and History and Geography KS2 teacher
Hi, I’m Andrea Moody, my connection to Bolton goes back many years as I used to be Nursery Manager before I trained as a teacher. I qualified as a Primary Teacher in 2008 and I am the History & Geography teacher and subject lead across all year groups. I am also very passionate about teaching in the Early Years where I have a specialism in ‘Early Years Education’ - particularly in early reading, writing and phonics. I work with the Reception children each morning developing their Literacy and Numeracy skills. I have three grown up children and enjoy spending time with them. In my free time I enjoy fell walking, reading and baking.
Rachel Holmes
Class 1 Teacher
Hi, I’m Rachel Holmes. I am the class teacher for Class 1, teaching Year 1 and Year 2 pupils. As an Early Career Teacher, I am enthusiastic about developing my practice and creating a positive, engaging learning environment where every child feels supported and encouraged to do their best. I plan and deliver lessons that are creative, inclusive and well-structured, ensuring learning is purposeful and accessible for all pupils. I aim to build strong foundations in key skils while nurturing curiousity, confidence and a love of learning.
Bianca Cousin
Class 2 Teacher and DDSL
I first qualified from Edge Hill University in 2000. I taught throughout the key-stages during the 10 years that I taught at Kirkby Stephen Primary School. Warcop Primary School was my next post and then for a further 4 and a half years I have had the opportunity to deliver high-quality PE across five primary schools. This has enabled me to teach a subject that I am very passionate about and developed my teaching skills. My other interests within the curriculum are Maths, Design and Technology and making cross-curricular links with PE. As many of you know, I am a busy mum of three so feel that I`m well equipped to support families and understand the trials and tribulations of family life. My hobbies include Rugby and quality family time.
Alice Mepham
Class 3 Teacher
Hi, I’m Alice Mepham. I am the Class Teacher for Year 5 and 6 pupils. I am passionate about supporting children through the important final stages of their primary education, both academically and personally, as they prepare for the transition to secondary school. Alongside my classroom role, I lead PHSE, World Views and Religions and Writing/GAPS across the school. In these roles, I work collaborately with colleagues to develop engaging, includive curriculum provision that supports pupils' understanding, confidnce and individual progress. I have experience preparing pupils for Y6 SATS and understand the importance of balancing high expectations with wellbeing and confidence. I aim to create a calm and support classroom environment.
Heather Lowthian
Teacher of Science and Music, DDSL and SENCo
Hi, my name is Heather Lowthian. I studied Microbiology and Environmental Science at university in London. I went on to work as a technical scientist, food and water microbiologist, technical advisor at a cheese farm and a milk analyst before retraining as a primary school teacher in 2000. I began my teaching career as a class teacher but then started to specialise; teaching science and computing to all year groups. I currently work at two small primary schools teaching: science, computing, spelling/punctuation/grammar and music. I am passionate about science and I hope I can pass some of that enthusiasm on to the children I teach. I love teaching and watching the children grow. No two days are the same and the days fly by - it's never boring! I feel very privileged. Outside of school, I enjoy: walking the dogs, horse riding, swimming, camping and generally being outdoors.
Rebecca Hodgson
RHSE
Hi, I’m Rebecca and I have been teaching RSHE across the school and other local schools for four years. In my spare time I enjoy exercising, travelling, socialising and walking my two cheeky Border Terriers, Stanley and Peggy.
Andrea Bradley
Teaching Assistant
Hi, my name is Andrea and I joined Bolton Primary in September 2024. I support children in Class 1 with their learning, wellbeing and development. I work closely with the class teacher to provide a positive and inclusive teaching environment where every child can thrive. In my spare time, I love spending time with my own family.
Gail Burns
Teaching Assistant
Hi, I am an TA at Bolton Primary School and have worked here for 18 years. In the mornings I help teach Maths in class 2 and class 3, I also support KS2 most afternoons. I started my career as a TA after my youngest child started school; previously being a parent helper at Crosby Ravensworth School. Immediately after I finished my training, I joined the staff at Bolton and have been here ever since. When not at school, I enjoy spending my time quizzing, reading, fell walking and spending time with my grandchildren.
Claire Rankin
Teaching Assistant
Hi, I joined Bolton Primary School in September 2018, having previously worked at North Lakes School in Penrith. I`m a TA working mainly in Class 1. I also provide additional support on a 1:1 basis and with small groups. Before becoming a TA in 2016, I pursued a career in rural development following graduation. I have 3 children and enjoy spending time with my family. In my spare time, I enjoy cycling, kayaking and fell walking.
Linda Kipling
Cleaner and Dinner Lady
I am the cleaner and dinner lady at Bolton Primary.
Becky Warman
Midday Supervisor
Hi I'm Becky, I live in Bolton and I have been Midday Supervisor since 2019. I love spending time with my family and walking my dog. My favourite pastime is watching crime and medical dramas.
Helen Austin
Small Schools Business Manager
I am the business manager at Bolton, which means I will likely be your first point of contact at the school. I have worked at Bolton School since February 2022 and my children attended the school. My career has previously been in various accounting and finance roles. In my spare time I enjoy reading, exercising, spending time with my family and socialising with friends.