Andy Liles

Headteacher

It is a real privilege to be joining such a special community here at Asby. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made me feel so welcome during my visits in the final weeks of the summer term. The warmth I have experienced is exactly what awaits any family considering becoming part of our school.

I have spent my entire adult life working with children and have had the pleasure of teaching and leading in a wide range of schools over the past 20 years — from a junior school in Workington and a small village school in the Lake District, to two large international schools in Malawi.

Throughout my career, I have been most passionate about helping young people grow into kind, thoughtful individuals, and about making learning meaningful and connected to real life. I have already seen how deeply Asby values its partnerships with the wider community to create enriching, real-world learning experiences. It is inspiring, and I am excited to build on the excellent work led by Michelle Clark (previous headteacher) and her team as we move forward with the school’s new vision.

Outside of school, I have been married for ten years, and we have a lively two-year-old who keeps us on our toes — and fills our days with both joy and exhaustion! After recently moving back to the UK from Malawi, we are now settling into life in Penrith and are looking forward to getting involved in the local community. I am especially excited to play a part in the life of the village of Asby.

Jack Davis

Senior Teacher & SENDCo

In 2015, following the successful completion of a BA in International Relations at the University of Leeds, I spent some time teaching English as a foreign language in Shanghai. This was a hugely positive experience and pushed me to pursue a career in education. In 2019 I completed my PGCE course at the University of Sussex and, prior to joining Asby Endowed School, I worked at Chesswood Junior School in Worthing.

Fiona Harrison

Class teacher

I qualified as a teacher in 1996  and began my teaching career at Scotby School in Carlisle. I took a break from teaching to become a full-time mum to my three children, who all attended Asby Endowed School, and to help out on our family farm. Before returning to the classroom I completed a Return to Teaching course at the University of Cumbria.

Kate Walsh

French Teacher

I love French having lived in France for a couple of years! I teach in 7 primary schools within the Eden Valley.  I began teaching in secondary schools but now thoroughly enjoy introducing the language to younger learners.  Out of school, I enjoy mountain biking, skiing and running with the rest of my family and dog!

Cathy Ingle

1 to 1 teaching assistant

I have had a wonderful time teaching for almost 30 years in Scotland and Cumbria, both in primary school settings and an Outdoor Education Centre.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and getting out and about in the countryside!

Louise Ryan

Small School Business Manager

I moved to the Appleby area in 2000 and live on a farm near Appleby.  I have two children - my son works in agriculture and my daughter as a Teaching Assistant in a local primary school. I have over 20 years experience of working in educational settings.  During my spare time I love to garden and read.

Dianne Maughan

Cleaner in Charge

I live on the outskirts of the village of Great Asby, and I have one son, who attended the school.  I started working at the school on October 2003. 

Cheryl Chilton

Midday Supervisor

I live locally within the area. I have one son. I have previously worked in school settings. I have spent many years working within the care sector before joining Asby Endowed School.

Kay Dorset

Clerk to the Governors

After 20 years working in project management, I made Asby my home in 2012 and immediately felt welcome and included in this vibrant community. I have enjoyed learning throughout my life, over a wide range of subjects from chemical engineering to teambuilding to horticulture. I am still grateful to all the teachers that inspired me along the way. It is a pleasure to now be able to contribute to the running of our village school.