Ruth Elstone - Headteacher

Hi, I am your child`s headteacher here at Bolton. I was brought up in South Yorkshire, studied at Lancaster University and completed my PGCE at Homerton, Cambridge. I teach Y5 & 6 in the mornings - Literacy and Numeracy and World Views and Religion and PHSE across KS2.  I have over thirty years of experience teaching including overseas, in different counties in a wide range of Primary schools.

I am always here to help if you have any concerns about your child`s journey through primary school and I look forward to playing a crucial part in your child`s education. I have two grown-up children of my own; I enjoy running, walking and cycling as well as spending time with my family.

Debbie Tinkler - Teacher Class 1 / SLT

Hi, I’ve been teaching at Bolton since 2012, having graduated from University of Cumbria in 2011. I teach Early Years following the Early Years Curriculum covering all prime and specific areas of learning. Also, I teach Year 1 and 2 for all Core subjects and teach KS1 for Art, Computing, DT, Geography, History, PHSE and RE.

I will be your child’s first teacher in school and look forward to helping them settle into school life.

I am responsible for leading the Early Years in school, including end of reception profiling. I jointly lead an Early Years group within the cluster for all early years teachers and TAs for 12 local schools. Also, I am responsible for Computing across the school and KS1 English. Out of school, I enjoy spending time with my children and family, going for walks and travelling. 

Bianca Cousin - Class 2 Teacher

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.

Andrea Moody – EY 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 KS2.  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.

Heather Lowthian - Teacher of Science 

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 three 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. 

Kate Walsh - Teacher of French

I love French, having lived in France for a few years earlier in my career. I teach in 6 Primary Schools within the Eden Valley. I began teaching in secondary schools but now thoroughly enjoy introducing language to younger learners. Out of school, I enjoy mountain biking, ski-ing and running with the rest of my family!

Rebecca Hodgson -  Teacher of Art, DT and RHSE

Hi, I’m Rebecca and most of the children have already met me, as I have been teaching RSHE across the school for three years. I am excited to be teaching Art and DT to the KS2 children as these are two subjects I specialised in during my 12 years teaching  at Long Marton School. I am passionate about creativity being accessible and achievable for all pupils and have previously coordinated whole school Art and DT week, involving professional artists and the local community. In my spare time I enjoy exercising, travelling, socialising and walking my two cheeky Border Terriers, Stanley and Peggy.

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 2 & 3. I support Literacy in Class 3 and Maths in Class 2, 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.

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 literacy in class 2 and numeracy in class 3, I also support class 3 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.                         

Sam Normington - Teaching Assistant  

Hi, my name is Sam and I joined Bolton Primary in September 2023. I moved from West Yorkshire to Cumbria in 2021 with my husband and two children. I am early years trained and have previously worked in primary schools and a nursery. At Bolton I work everyday with the Reception class. I have enjoyed meeting all your wonderful children and look forward to getting to know them more in the future. 

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, socialising with friends and taking care of my 3 chickens, dog and rabbit! 

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 - Business Manager  

I am the business manager at Bolton, which means I will likely be your first point of contact at the school.  I am new to the role having previously worked as an accountant for a family office, and prior to that in practice.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, exercising, spending time with my family and socialising with friends.