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 Worldviews 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 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. 

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 -  RHSE

Hi, I’m Rebecca and most of the children have already met me, as 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.

Billy Drinkall-Jones Art and DT Teacher   

I joined Bolton in 2024 to teach Art and Design & Technology to Classes 2 and 3. I trained to teach at the University of Gloucestershire, before becoming a class teacher in Wiltshire. I moved to Cumbria in 2022 with my wife to be closer to her family. I currently work in three local schools, teaching mathematics and science as well as Art and D&T. In my spare time, I enjoy walking my dog, Stan.

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.                         

Andrea Bradley - Teaching Assistant  

Hi, my name is Andrea and I joined Bolton Primary in September 2024.

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.