'Asby Endowed School is a very welcoming school, all staff are very friendly and easy to approach, if there are ever any worries all aspects are always dealt with in a professional manner. Everyone knows each other well which makes the school a lovely place to be part of.'  

'The personal dedication to the pupils, the interest it shows to them, and the varied activities provided. The school has a definite village and family feel to it and is warm and welcoming.'

 Parent & Carers Questionnaire January 2023

Meet our dedicated teachers and staff, who are committed to providing a high quality learning experience for all the children at Asby Endowed School.

Michelle Clark

Headteacher

I completed my PGCE teaching training in 2008 after graduating from Bournemouth University with a degree in Archaeology. I have taught in a number of different schools, both large and small schools in Coventry, Cyprus, Italy and North Yorkshire.  I moved to Cumbria in 2016, and returned to teaching after maternity leave at Long Marton Community School.  I started teaching at Asby Endowed School in September 2017 as the Senior Teacher and have been the school's headteacher since September 2019.  

I strongly believe the most important part of my role is setting the conditions for everyone in the school community to ‘be the best they can be. Crucially, this means providing the right support and challenge, directly and indirectly, to children, staff and parents. Success is then secured when this principle is replicated throughout the community by children, staff and parents providing each other with support and challenge, acting as one high performing team so individually and collectively all children achieve – beyond everyone’s expectations. When this happens the whole school community enjoys an exciting ‘buzz’ – a ‘buzz’ that indicates children are engaged in purposeful learning; a ‘buzz’ all headteachers strive to build in their school; and finally a ‘buzz’ you will find when visiting Asby! I very much look forward to welcoming you to Asby Endowed School in the near future.

Jack Davis
Class 2 Teacher & SENCo

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, West Sussex. 

Fiona Harrison

Class 1/2 teacher

I qualified as a teacher in 1996  and began my teaching career at Scotby School in Carlisle. I then gave up teaching to become a full time mum to our 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.

Rosie Slack
Teaching Assistant

My name is Rosalie Slack, however everyone calls me 'Rosie'.  I have been a parent of pupils at Asby School, and for several years I have also been a teaching assistant in the KS2 classroom.

Joyce Law

Teaching Assistant

After leaving school and completing a NVQ 3 in Hotel and Catering & working in the catering trade for 7 years . I had a complete career change!  I trained at Biggins Nursery while studying & completing my NVQ Level 3 in Childcare  and Education.  I  also completed a Teaching Assistant Course.  I then worked as a Teaching Assistant at Ravenstonedale Primary School for 12 years before joining Asby School in 2015.

Rebecca Willoughby

1 to 1 Teaching Assistant

I completed my PGCE at the University of Cumbria in 2015 and have worked in a variety of roles in schools in South Cumbria and Lancashire. When not in school I enjoy running and walking in the countryside.

Kate Walsh

French Teacher

I love French having lived in France for a couple of years! I teach in 6 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!

Lousie Ryan
Small School Business Manager

I moved to the Appleby area in 2000 and live on a farm near to Appleby.  I have two children - my son works in agriculture and my daughter as a Teaching Assistant in a 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. I am also a school governor.