Mrs Patricia Merritt
Headteacher 

Areas of special interest: Curriculum, early reading, SEND, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), pupils' personal, social and spiritual well-being.

​I start my day running and end it gardening. 

Declaration of Business Interests: Nil.  Declaration made 23.02.2022

Michelle Wilkinson

Deputy Headteacher

Areas of special interest: Mathematics (Maths Associate Consultant), Raising Attainment, Assessment, Teaching and Learning, Key Stage 2 Team Leader, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

I taught in large schools in Newcastle and Liverpool before coming to Heron Hill. I have taught classes from Year 1 – Year 6 and love to be part of children’s development. We aim to have lots of fun learning!

I also love motorcycling, cooking, reading and spending time in the garden.

Declaration of Business Interests: See 'Governors'.

Mike Corrie

Assistant Headteacher

Areas of special interest: Teaching and Learning, Outdoor Education and Reading in KS2.

Before joining Heron Hill in January 2024, I taught for nearly 14 years at St Martin & St Mary CE Primary School where I began my role as a new teacher in 2010. Throughout my time there, I taught across KS2 and moved into more leadership roles, alongside teaching Year 6. I am excited and enthusiastic in my role at Heron Hill, where I am passionate about helping the children reach their full potential on their learning journey.

Outside of school, I love making the most of the outdoors in this fantastic part of the country with my wife and two young children. I also have a passion for all sports (rugby in particular) and enjoy fell running and cycling.

Carmen Roberts

Acting Business Manager 

Areas of special interest:

Finance, school improvement, transition arrangements. 

Naomi Jones
​Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO) 

Areas of special interest: Special Educational Needs, Additional Needs and English as an Additional Language, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Prior to relocating to the Lake District in 2010, I started my teaching career in Nottingham and Derbyshire.  I have been a class teacher in different year groups but always with a passion for Early Years; helping young children to play, communicate and thrive is a true joy. 

I am dedicated to supporting every child I teach.  As our SENDCO, I am eager to provide advice and support to every child and their family in order for school to be happy, enriching and positive. 

Outside of school I love spending time with my husband and two young children, walking, biking and adventuring into the Lakes and further afield.  I also love to read and practice yoga during quieter moments.

Declaration of Business Interests: Nil.  Declaration made 4 February 2021

To be Appointed in Summer 2024

Foundation Stage Team Leader

Areas of special interest: 

Declaration of Business Interests: 

Christine Hudson
Key Stage 1 Team Leader

Areas of special interest: English Subject Leader, Anti-Racism Ambassador. 

I worked at Old Hutton School and Brantfield Nursery before joining Heron Hill in 2001. My role has developed over the years and I have progressed onto the Senior Leadership team. I thoroughly enjoy teaching, providing fun and stimulating activities and supporting children in achieving their full potential.

Outside of school, I have a love of the great outdoors and enjoy spending time on our family farm. Weekends are regularly spent with my family, in particular playing with our 4 grandchildren. I have various hobbies which include baking, walking and knitting.

Declaration of Business Interests: Nil.  Declaration made 5 February 2021

Hannah Little
Pastoral Learning Mentor and Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

My role as Pastoral Learning Mentor gives me the opportunity to work with children across the school, supporting their social and emotional needs and ensuring they are happy and thriving at school. I have recently been trained by Educational Psychologists to become an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. This will allow me to further support children with a range of topics including managing emotions, building resilience and self-esteem, social and friendship skills, and loss and bereavement. I work closely with Mrs Jones (SENCO) and class teachers to identify children who need a little extra help and sessions are offered on a 1:1 or small group basis, depending on the needs of the children. Please do talk to me if you have any concerns about your child.