'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 & 2024

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

Michelle Clark

Headteacher

In 2008, I successfully completed my PGCE teaching training following my graduation from Bournemouth University with a degree in Archaeology. Over the years, I've had the privilege of teaching in diverse educational settings, ranging from both large and small schools in locations such as Coventry, Cyprus, Italy, and North Yorkshire.

In 2016, my journey led me to Cumbria, where, following a period of maternity leave, I reimmersed myself in the world of education at Long Marton Community School. It was in September 2017 that I joined Asby Endowed School as the Senior Teacher responsible for teaching Key Stage 2. Fast forward to September 2019, and I proudly assumed the role of Headteacher at the school.

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
Lead 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.

Fiona Harrison

Class 1/2 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.  

Emily Keen

Class Teacher

After spending 10 years working in the motor industry,  I completed my PGCE and began teaching in 2001 in a small school in Cornwall. During my career I have taken the role of deputy head, acting head and spent 2 years working for Blackburn with Darwen as an advanced skills teacher supporting staff in Early Years. In 2014 my family moved to Malaysia for me to take a role in the British International School on the leadership team with responsibility for supporting the 35 teaching assistants that were employed in a school of 2,000 pupils. On returning to the UK, I worked in near Lancaster and then, following my heart, moved up to Cumbria. I have one son, who is a nuclear engineer. I also work at a bookshop, fuelling my passion for reading. 

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!

Rosie Slack
Teaching Assistant

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

 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.