Name

Angela Quirk

I am currently Senior Advisor for Cumberland Council with the Learning Improvement Service. More recently, I was Executive Head teacher of two schools in Workington. I have worked in schools for over 20 years, and I love working with children, families, and staff.

Over the course of my career, I have also been part of two governing bodies and worked alongside numerous schools. My passion is to ensure every child enjoys school and receives a good quality of education allowing them to reach their full potential.

In my personal time, I enjoy taking my 11-year-old to his football matches and training. I have a very energetic working cocker spaniel called Ralph, who loves to go walking on the fells. I am looking forward to working with St Joseph’s Catholic Primary school and meeting the children and families.

Contact Details:

chair@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk

Chair

Finance Committee

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Brian Eaton

I live close to Bassenthwaite Lake with family in Hong Kong - some contrast!

Professionally, I've recently completed three years as Director of Benenden Health so understand the leadership, scrutiny and challenge involved as a Board member. My Benenden work included being part of the Audit and Risk Committee and Member Services Committee. This gives a balance between understanding the organisation, its risks, and its responsiveness to users including parents and pupils.

I work part time as a University Lecturer and have a depth of understanding of leadership and governance and an ability to influence policy formation. My work has been in diverse cultures including China and New Zealand, and I currently work in university business schools in the UK and occasionally in Hong Kong.

I've been a trustee of Eden Special Multi-Academy Trust for five years. The Trust has seven special schools, most of which are rated outstanding. I've contributed to the Finance Committee throughout this time and have chaired the Audit Committee so understand at least some of the pressures on schools funding. Previously I was Chair of Governors of the outstanding James Rennie School in Carlisle and served for several years as a member of the Children’s Services Scrutiny Board of the Council.

Contact Details:

brian@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk

SEND Governor

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Sue Blair

I have had the privilege of being a head teacher for the last 23 years: 5 years in the North East and 17 in Carlisle.  I retired in December 2022, and then started working as a School Improvement Partner for a local Academy Trust after a short break to recharge the batteries.  I am also Chair of Governors for a Church of England primary school in Carlisle.

I am a keen road cyclist and love walking in our wonderful countryside - we are so blessed to live in such a stunning area of outstanding beauty.  

I look forward to working with the children, staff and families of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.  I have already been impressed with the polite and respectful children who were so keen to share their learning during my recent visit to the school.  

Contact Details:

sueb@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk

Safeguarding & Pupil Premium

Finance Committee

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Alan Woowat

I grew up in the North East of England and studied mechanical engineering at the City & Guilds College in London, before moving to work in west Cumbria 43 years ago.  I had an interesting and varied career as an engineer working in nuclear design, construction, operations, decommissioning and programme management, before my last few years working in strategic development and governance.  As a Fellow and registered mentor of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, I had the privilege to train and guide young engineers. 

Now retired, I am a governor at a secondary school in Workington, and I am pleased to also work with St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.

I am married and have 4 sons, the youngest now studying for his GCSEs; I am enjoying having a go at some of his mathematics questions.  In my spare time, I enjoy fell walking and cycling, and recently I have been constructing a 1/76th scale model of the Monkwearmouth railway bridge. You cannot stop an engineer’s urge to tinker and make things!

Contact Details:

alan@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk

Board Member

Finance Committee

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Lynsey Armstrong

I am currently a General Advisor for Cumberland Council with the Learning Improvement Service, and I lead on Moderation and Assessment. My role is to support school improvement and leadership. I also sit as a representative on the Children’s Trust Board for Safeguarding.

Leading up to this role I was an Early Years Team Manager for the North of Cumbria, leading a team of professional advisors. I held the responsibility for EYFS Profile Moderation and Assessment for Cumbria. Prior to joining the Council, I worked across 4 schools from large primaries to smaller rural schools. This included senior leadership roles and acting headship.  I was a trained SENCO and a lead teacher for mixed age practice. I have a keen interest in outdoor learning and worked as part of an outdoor educational establishment for a number of years before training to be a teacher.

Over the course of my 23-year career in education I have been a member of a governing body, taking up the Chair role and supporting the school through inspection, opening a nursery and moving into an Academy Trust. 

I have two children, 16 and 11, who keep me busy with their active social lives! I am a keen walker and have two beautiful energetic dogs who love nothing more than roaming around the fells getting muddy. I am looking forward to working with St Joseph’s Catholic Primary school, hearing about the wonderful work you do here and meeting the children and families.

Contact Details:

lynsey@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk

Board Member

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Georgina Mawson

Contact Details:

head@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk

Finance Committee

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