--- title: "Meet the Staff" url: "https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/about-us/meet-the-staff" school: "Bolton Primary School" --- # Meet the Staff ![Debbie Tinkler](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/d336bec8-91d9-4b97-9a8c-680fd7a0ce47_1x1.jpeg) #### 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 Early Years, Reading and Computing in school and coordinate an Early Years network for teachers and teaching assistants across 13 local schools in our ERA cluster. 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. [ head@bolton.cumbria.sch.uk ](mailto:head@bolton.cumbria.sch.uk) ![Andrea Moody](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/20b995b6-09fd-4c59-acc9-3f57e1470284_1x1.jpeg) #### 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](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/a7ac9383-14e3-40a1-95b8-a84b61c4e82f_1x1.jpeg) #### 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](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/82840689-03f5-48ee-b11f-f413109f11ad_1x1.jpeg) #### 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](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/1e2be61e-00aa-4b75-bd32-a2d4c5091c53_1x1.jpeg) #### 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](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/1d13c5b3-e366-4e5b-a97f-d6611b01ad58_1x1.jpeg) #### 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](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/25bf5e0d-ceb0-4bd9-920f-f27689bb401b_1x1.jpeg) #### 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](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/49413962-2eec-44eb-b2fe-8241acde268c_1x1.jpeg) #### 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](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/b7244811-6ae3-4154-b09c-ab812bafc012_1x1.jpeg) #### 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](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/077409dd-b4b2-4c05-816c-0194447528ff_1x1.jpeg) #### 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](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/89724ba1-171f-4b76-8895-11e444266f4c_1x1.jpeg) #### Linda Kipling ##### Cleaner and Dinner Lady I am the cleaner and dinner lady at Bolton Primary. ![Becky Warman](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/2100c6b8-7633-4185-9ea3-055803c1784e_1x1.jpeg) #### 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](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/imagecache/150x200c/people/4b0ee6d5-c01f-4204-ba42-7b0667ef18ba_1x1.jpeg) #### 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. ### About Us - [Welcome](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/about-us/welcome) - [Meet the Staff](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/about-us/meet-the-staff) - [Prospectus](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/about-us/prospectus) - [Vacancies](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/about-us/vacancies) - [Our school day](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/about-us/our-school-day) ![Bolton Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/bolton-primary-school-2/images/logo/logo.png) ### Bolton Primary School Appleby-in-Westmorland Cumbria CA16 6AW 017683 61511 ### Helpful Links - [Prospectus](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/about-us/prospectus) - [School Day](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/about-us/our-school-day) - [Admissions](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/key-information/admissions) - [Governors](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/key-information/governors) ### Useful Links - [Policies](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/key-information/policies) - [Term Dates](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/parents/term-dates) - [Curriculum](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/bolton-primary-curriculum) - [Newsletter](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/newsletters) ### Translation © Copyright 2026 Bolton Primary School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)