Senior Leadership Team

Mr L Barber

Mr L Barber

Interim Headteacher

Bio to follow

Mrs R Deakin

Mrs R Deakin

Deputy Headteacher

Mrs Deakin graduated from Lancaster University with a 2:1 (Hons) Degree in Biological Sciences with Biomedicine, completing her PGCE in Secondary Science at the University of Cumbria. Mrs Deakin became a Lead Practitioner of Science in 2014 at Co-op Academy Failsworth, before becoming an Assistant Headteacher over Teaching and Learning in 2016. Mrs Deakin was appointed as Senior Assistant Headteacher at Tottington High School in November 2020. In her spare time, Mrs Deakin likes to spend time with her family and 2 young children, and whenever possible, spend time in the gym. 

Mr J Varey

Mr J Varey

Deputy Headteacher

Bio to follow...

Mr J Burgoyne

Mr J Burgoyne

Assistant Headteacher

Mr Burgoyne graduated from UCLAN with a BA Hons in English before undertaking teacher training at MMU in 2006 and completing a Masters in Education.  He joined Tottington High School in the summer of 2006 where he has progressed through Head of Year, Head of House and Head of English positions before accepting his most recent role as Assistant Headteacher.   

Mr D Griffith

Mr D Griffith

Assistant Headteacher

Mr Griffith graduated from Liverpool John Moore’s University with a BA(Hons) Business Studies specialising in Quantitative Analysis and Marketing, following a successful career in marketing he successfully completed the Graduate Teacher Programme to gain Qualified Teacher Status. Mr Griffith is an experienced former Head of Mathematics leading departments in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, he holds NPQSL, M.B.A. in Educational Leadership from Coventry University and is currently completing his EdD - Doctorate in Education with Liverpool John Moore’s University. Mr Griffith is the former Mathematics Ambassador for the NCETM (National Centre for the Excellence in Teaching Mathematics) and ITE Secondary Mathematics Subject Lead – Midlands & South for the National Institute of Teaching. Prior to joining Tottington High School was an Assistant Principal for the Oasis Community Learning Trust.

Mr A Ishtiaq

Mr A Ishtiaq

Assistant Headteacher

Mr Ishtiaq graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BA (Hons) in Film and Media Studies in 2007.  He worked in industry before completing his PGCE in ICT and Computing in 2012 at the University of Cumbria.  He joined Tottington High School in 2014 as a Teacher of Computing and was appointed as a Head of Year in 2015.  Mr Ishtiaq was appointed to the senior leadership team in 2022.

Mrs L McCool

Mrs L McCool

Assistant Headteacher

Mrs McCool joined Tottington High School in 2008, graduating from Huddersfield University with a BA Hons in Drama. She completed the GTP at Edge Hill University and Westhoughton High School, gaining QTS in 2007. Mrs McCool has enjoyed a 14 year career at Tottington High School as an English Teacher. She started her leadership journey as Head of Year for five years before joining the Senior Team as Assistant Head in 2022.

Mr JM Atkinson

Mr JM Atkinson

Associate Assistant Headteacher

Mr Atkinson graduated from The University of Salford with a BA (hons) in Music and then completed a PGCE in Secondary Music with Specialist Instrumental Teaching at Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music. He worked in schools across Lancashire leading music departments and teaching instruments to pupils of all ages, before joining Tottington High School in September 2019 as Head of Music and Professional Advocate for Music within Shaw Education Trust. As well as leading the music department at THS, Mr Atkinson also led the Performing Arts faculty, before joining the Senior Leadership Team in 2023. Outside of the classroom Mr Atkinson spends much of his spare time playing in and conducting brass bands - you will find him performing most weekends across Lancashire and the North West.

Miss O McKay

Miss O McKay

Associate Assistant Headteacher

Miss McKay joined Tottington High School in September 2020. She graduated from The University of Salford with a BSC in Exercise, Physical Activity and Health in 2014 and went on to complete her teacher training at Bury College teaching BTEC Sport. Her background covers a wide range of subject areas which include PE and Sport, RE, Personal Development and now Health and Social Care. At Tottington, she has worked as a Head of Year and appointed to Head of Personal Development in 2021 before accepting her current role on the Senior Leadership team in 2023.

Mr C Scholes

Mr C Scholes

Associate Assistant Headteacher

Mr Scholes graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) in Sport Therapy in 2016. He went on to complete a master's degree in Sport Medicine, alongside working in industry before embarking on his teaching career. He completed his PGCE in Physical Education in 2020 at Liverpool John Moores University and joined Tottington High School in the summer. Mr Scholes started his leadership journey as Head of Year and was appointed as Associate Assistant Headteacher in 2023.