Leadership Team

Mr D Yates

Headteacher

Bio to follow

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 JM Atkinson

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 September 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.

Mrs L Entwistle

Assistant Headteacher

Mrs Entwistle graduated from Huddersfield University after studying a BA Hons in Drama. She completed her PGCE in Drama at Manchester Metropolitan University and started teaching in Burnley in 2009. In 2011, Mrs Entwistle completed her MA in Education and went on to complete a number of different roles in her teaching career such as; Head of House for 7 years, Director of Behaviour for 5 years and Director of Behaviour for Learning for 2 years before joining Tottington High School as an Assistant Headteacher in 2024. Mrs Entwistle has recently completed her NPQSL. Mrs Entwistle is passionate about excellent pastoral care and ensuring that every student is supported to be the best that they can be. When not in school, Mrs Entwistle enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, socialising with friends and family and going on long country walks.

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.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/staff-profiles/faculty-of-arts-professional-and-social-studies/school-of-education/damian-griffith

Mr D Higham

Assistant Headteacher

Bio to follow...

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

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 16 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.

Mrs Adams

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Head of Chisholm House

Mrs Adams graduated from MMU Cheshire with a BA hons degree in English with Childhood studies. She Started teaching in 2007 at a school in Moston where she went on to be Second in English. Mrs Adams then worked at BSCA for 5 years where she was second in English, head of year and in her final year Head of Key stage 4. Since moving to Tottington she has had several roles including 'Reading Lead', Head of English and now Associate Assistant Headteacher/Head of House. Mrs Adams is passionate about providing pastoral care for our students at Tottington and supporting them on their high school journey. She also completed her NPQSL last year. When not at school, Mrs Adams love reading, playing sport and spending time with her family.

Mrs Hesketh

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Head of Johnson House

Mrs Hesketh graduated from Leeds University with a Bsc (Hons) in Mathematics and QTS in Secondary Education. She started her teaching career in 1998, teaching maths in several northwest secondary schools but spent the last 20 years as Director of Maths at a large inner city Manchester all through school. She joined Tottington High in 2024 as Associate Assistant Headteacher and Head of Johnson House. Mrs Hesketh lives in the village and is passionate about supporting our children to be the best version of themselves possible and making Tottington High School the best school in the area. When not at school she enjoys walking her dog and spending time with her family and friends.

Mrs N Kilby

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Lead on Transition

Mrs Kilby graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, completing her PGCE in Secondary Science also at Manchester Metropolitan University. Mrs Kilby came to Tottington High School in September 2020 as Second in Science and was appointed as Associate Assistant Headteacher in October 2023. Outside of school, Mrs Kilby enjoys spending her free time with her husband and young son and also enjoys crafting and reading.

Miss O McKay

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Head of Peel House

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

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Head of Peachment House

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.