The Staff

Mrs. Faith Tiernan: Headteacher

My name is Mrs. Tiernan and I have the privilege of leading St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School as the Headteacher. I have responsibility for the day to day running of the school along with developing and sharing our vision for the future.

I came into the profession to make a positive impact on children's learning, increase their desire to learn and enable them to become independent life-long learners. Throughout my career I have enjoyed working with colleagues to improve teaching and learning. I have a variety of knowledge and skills, which can be shared and further developed by working alongside others.

I studied at Liverpool Hope University as a mature student and achieved a First Class Honours BA in Theology with Qualified Teaching Status. I am passionate about religious education and am quoted to have said that I ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ competing the CCRS (Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies) whilst at university.

I am an experienced Key Stage 2 teacher, teaching in Year 6 for the majority of my career. I have been English Subject Adviser for last eight years, before handing the ‘book and pen’ to Mrs. Smith. I have also been the Assessment Co-ordinator for many years. I am confident in analysing data, developing school action plans and monitoring teaching and learning.

Mr. Anthony Hurst:

Deputy Headteacher

My name is Mr. Hurst and I attended St. Bede’s as a pupil, before being appointed as Subject Adviser for Mathematics and Physical Education in 1991.  During the intervening years, I worked as a Computer Programmer, Civil Servant and Museum Demonstrator, before studying for my Bachelor of Education degree at Christ’s and Notre Dame Catholic College.  Whilst at College, I also obtained the Catholic Teachers’ Certificate in Religious Education.

I gained my Master of Education degree (Distinction) from the University of Liverpool, in 2007; and completed a Postgraduate Certificate as a Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher, at Edge Hill University, in 2012.

I am a qualified Rugby League Coach and Referee, having coached Lancashire Schoolboys, and refereed the curtain-raiser to the 1995 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.  I ran the first London Marathon, in 1981, and am currently ‘collecting’ Olympic Stadia, having run on the tracks in Athens, Melbourne and London!

In my spare time, I enjoy watching Widnes Vikings and Manchester United.  For many years I have been ‘treading the boards’, in an amateur capacity, taking part in shows and pantomimes, including my now ‘legendary’ performance (at least it is in my house!) as Fagin in ‘Oliver’, at the Brindley Theatre.

I still harbour ambitions to be King of a Popcorn Empire when I get older!

Miss Ashley Arrowsmith

My name is Miss Arrowsmith and I teach Year 3 maths and English groups.  I am Subject Leader for Science and Dance and manage the School’s Dance Festivals and performances. In addition to this, I am a school based mentor for trainee teachers.

I graduated from Edge Hill University with a BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS degree. During my placements I worked at a range of schools across Liverpool, Warrington and Widnes but always dreamt of returning back to the school in which I attended myself as a young student, here at St. Bede’s Junior School.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching and love the diversity of school life in that no two days are ever the same! I love teaching dance because I get to be involved in the Dance Festivals which allows us to watch so many talented performers from both our school and others across the Borough. I also have a real passion for science as I love the practical nature of the subject and arranging British Science Week!

Mrs Kate Woods

My name is Mrs. Woods and I teach Class 3 and Year 3 groups. I am Subject Leader for English. I gained my PGCE at Liverpool Hope University and have worked in Halton for over ten years across the primary age range. Prior to attaining my PGCE I graduated from Open University with a Masters Degree in Education and I also worked for 6 years at the National Foundation of Educational Research as a Research Officer focusing on assessment specifically in KS2 English.

I am particularly passionate about the importance of English in schools and especially the power of reading. I am an avid reader and want to ensure that a love of reading spreads across the school and the children of St. Bede’s. If I haven’t read it then it’s not worth reading! Teaching is such a wonderful job to have and I love every day that I spend at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School.

Mrs. Dawn Barron 

My name is Mrs. Barron and I am Subject Leader for Foreign Modern Languages.  I teach Spanish throughout the whole school.

I graduated from Liverpool Hope University with a BEd (Hons) in 2003 and I have been privileged to work at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School since 2004. Recently I have had two beautiful babies and now I work part time. 

I really enjoy teaching the whole school as it means I get to know and teach everyone.  I think learning other languages and understanding other cultures is very important and I love seeing how proud the children are when they realise they can speak Spanish!

Mr. Stuart Cooper

Mrs. Victoria Faulkner

Miss  Kirsty France

My name is Miss France and I teach Class 5 and Year 4 groups.  I am Subject Leader for SEAL and the Arts.

I graduated from Liverpool John Moore’s University, where I studied for 4 years before becoming a teacher.  I came to work at St. Bede’s straight from university and can’t imagine working anywhere else!

I love my job and I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful children and staff.  I play many musical instruments and take great pleasure in taking part in different musical and arts clubs and productions.   

Mrs. Gill Geoghegan

My name is Mrs. Geoghegan and I teach in Class 8.  I am Subject Advisor for History and I also help to make sure that all our school trips are carefully planned and safe for our children to take part in.

In 2009, I graduated from the University of Chester, after 4 years of study, with a degree in Primary Education. Since then I have worked at schools in Chester, and in other parts of Widnes, before coming to St Bede’s about six years ago for a short time and returning permanently in 2011. I feel very lucky to be able to say that I work in such a wonderful school and I really can’t imagine working anywhere else. The St Bede’s community feels like one big happy family!

Mr.  S. Stalker

My name is Mr Stalker and I teach Year 6 maths and English groups.  I am Subject Leader for PE and Sport.

I graduated from Liverpool Hope University with a BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS degree. During my placements I worked in a range of schools across Liverpool, Widnes and the Wirral including my first placement which was at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching and love the diversity of school life - no two days are ever the same! I love teaching PE because I get to be involved in Sports Day and sports clubs after school allowing the children to develop their sporting skills further.

Miss Jasmine Joynson

My name is Miss Joynson and I teach Class 7. I also teach Year 5 Maths and English groups.

I moved to Liverpool from my family home in Stoke-on-Trent to train as a teacher and graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a degree in Primary Education.

During my training I had the privilege of working in a range of schools across Liverpool, and teaching in Years 1-6. I thoroughly enjoy teaching all subjects, but I particularly enjoy Art and run a mindfulness colouring club for Years 3 and 4. I have also played the flute since I was in primary school, and enjoy seeing the passion that the children of St. Bede’s have for music and the arts.

I feel very privileged and proud to be part of the St Bede’s community, and it is my hope that I can support and inspire all the children I teach this year and in many years to come

Mrs. Joanne Kaye 

My name is Mrs. Kaye and I teach maths and English groups.  I am Subject Leader for Computing and manage the School’s website and social media accounts.

I graduated from the University of Manchester then, following several years of travel, went on to study a PGCE in Primary Education at Liverpool University.  I have worked at schools in Salford, on the Wirral, America, in Yorkshire and now I’m teaching back in my home town of Widnes. 

I thoroughly enjoy teaching and I am so privileged to work at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School.  I love managing the website and social media accounts because I get to share all the amazing things our pupils and staff are involved in. 

Mrs. Stephenie Lloyd-Green: SENCo

My name is Mrs. Lloyd-Green and I have been a teacher at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School for 17 years. I joined the school as a newly-qualified teacher and now I am amongst the longest serving teachers on the staff.  I have recently seen some of my ex-pupils bringing their children into school, which has made me feel very old!

My responsibilities at the school include being the SENDCo, Art and Design Subject Leader, manager of the School Council and one of the Arts Award Leaders.  In my role as SENDCo (which stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator) it is my aim to help children overcome their barriers to learning and achieve their true potential becoming confident, successful and fulfilled learners. I have completed the National Award for Special Educational Needs at Edge Hill University.

After graduating from the Liverpool Institute of Higher Education with a BA Honours degree I began work in retail management.   I soon realised it wasn’t the career for me. It was then that I decided to become a teacher and study for a PGCE.  I have never looked back.

It is an honour teaching at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School as the school community is like a great big family.  The staff and children are a joy to work with and ensure that I spring into work every day with a smile on my face and a song in my heart!

Miss Annie McCann

My  name  is  Miss McCann  and  I  am  proud  to  say  that  I  am  a  Year  3   teacher  at  our  wonderful  school ,  St.  Bede’s.  I  felt  extremely  blessed  when  I  became  part  of  the  St.  Bede’s  family  two  years  ago  and  I  have  not  stopped  smiling  since!   I  begin  every  school  year sharing  the  story  that  I  came  to  St.  Bede’s  as  a  child.  It  is  a  special  feeling  knowing  that  I  am  walking  in  the  footsteps  of  the  teachers  that  inspired  me  to  pursue  my  dream  career. 

I  am  very  lucky  to  be  able  to share  my  talents  of  music  and  art  with  the  children  in  school.  Hearing  them  sing  along  beautifully  with  my  piano  is  such  a  rewarding  feeling (and  sometimes  even  brings  a  tear  to  my  eye).  I  cannot  wait  to  ‘fly  a  kite’  and  ‘feed  the  birds’  with  Miss France  this  year,  as  we  bring  the  story  of  Mary  Poppins  to  life  in  our  Christmas  production.  Also,  I  am  looking  forward  to  sharing  the  gift  of  calligraphy  in  my  new  lunchtime club.  It  is  something  very  close  to  my  heart,  as  my  grandad  taught  me  this  timeless  skill. 

Mrs. Teresa McCann

My name is Mrs. McCann and I am responsible for Class 10.  I also teach Year 6 maths and English groups.  I am Subject Leader for Religious Education and Community Cohesion. I graduated from the University of Leeds then, went on to study a PGCE in Primary Education at Liverpool University.  I have worked at schools in Litherland, Halewood and now I’m teaching back in my home town of Widnes.   I was a pupil at St Bede’s when I was a child so I have not moved very far from my roots!

I have been a teacher at St Bede’s for over 25 years and I have seen the school evolve into the outstanding community that it is today.  It is my privilege to teach and learn every day with the children of St Bede’s and feel blessed to be part of a wonderful school.

Miss C Jones

Mrs. J Wainwright

My name is Miss Jones and I am a Year 4 teacher at St. Bede’s. I was fortunate enough to complete my teacher training here last year and I am incredibly honoured to begin my career as a teacher at this wonderful school.

I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Law and started work as a Paralegal. I realised that this wasn’t the career for me and went on to study a PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Chester. This was the best decision I made and I have never looked back.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching at St. Bede’s! The staff and pupils have made me feel extremely welcome and part of the family. I am excited to immerse myself into the St. Bede’s community and take every opportunity which comes my way! I hope that I can inspire all the children that I teach this year and for many more years to come.

My name is Mrs Wainwright and I teach Class 6 and Year 5 maths and English groups. I am also Subject Leader for Science.

I graduated from Chester University in 2002 with a B.Ed (Hons) degree and specialism in mathematics. My training involved teaching children from Reception to Year six in a variety of Warrington and Halton schools. Once qualified, I secured a teaching position in a Runcorn school and remained there for 15 years. I spent 10 years of this time as a Year 6 class teacher and held responsibilities for mathematics, PSHE and gifted and talented – I have thoroughly enjoyed every role.

I love the mantra ‘A mistake is a learning opportunity’ and therefore always strive to help children feel confident in a lesson – unafraid to make mistakes and willing to ‘give things a go.’ I have a particular passion for instilling confidence in maths – wanting to make all children see maths as ‘fun’; however, I also love being active (sports, outdoor adventure), practical science and generally any subject in which I can be creative.

I have two of my own children at St Bede’s Junior School and, having seen the progress they have made and the opportunities they have been part of, I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to teach here myself from September 2018.

I’m looking forward to embarking on my first year at St Bede’s Catholic Junior School and becoming part of such a caring, happy and supportive community.

Miss Olivia Richardson

My name is Miss Richardson and I teach Year 3.  I really enjoy working with the children of St. Bede's Catholic Junior School - each day is so different!

Mrs. Jane Swan

My name is Mrs. Swan and I teach Maths and English groups.

I graduated from Christ’s and Notre Dame College in Liverpool where I studied English, Education and Art. I was awarded a BEd degree from Liverpool University.

I have been very lucky in my career, as I have worked at three other Catholic Primary Schools, teaching every year group, from  Year 3 up to Year six, in  my home town of Widnes. 

I thoroughly enjoy teaching children and I am so lucky to work at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School.

Family Support Worker: Mrs. Lesley Harrington

My name is Mrs Harrington and I am the Family Support Worker at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School.

I graduated from Liverpool Institute of Higher Education, and then went on to study a PGCE in Physical Education at John Moores University.  Following graduation, I worked for an education charity called Life Education Centres, teaching Health and Drugs Education in primary schools across the North West.  For the past 13 years I worked for Cheshire West, Halton and Warrington Youth Offending Service, working with children and young people at risk of offending.

I have recently joined the team at the school and in my new role hope to help and support pupils to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential.

Ms. Barbara Allen Teaching Assistant

Mrs. Ann Bate Teaching Assistant

My name is Mrs. Bate and I have worked at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School for seventeen years.  I am a teaching assistant and work with children from all year groups.  I run Craft, Art and Gym Clubs after school.  I am also on the PTFA and organise the Christmas Craft Fayre every year.  It is always a great event each year with lots of local artists, bakers and crafters taking part.

Working at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School is great as I love watching the children grow in confidence.  I feel proud when they leave with the skills they need for High School. 

Mrs. Karen Johnston Teaching Assistant

My name is Mrs. Johnston and I have worked at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School for fourteen years.  I am a teaching assistant and work with children from all year groups.  I also have a Sewing Club after school which I thoroughly enjoy.

I love working at St. Bede’s Catholic Junior School as I get to work with individual children from Year Three to Year Six.  I really get to know the children I work with and their families.  It gives me great pleasure to watch them grow and equip them with the necessary skills for High School.

Mrs. Bernadette Kelly

Teaching Assistant

My name is Mrs, Kelly and I have worked at St. Bede's since September 2013 as a Teaching Assistant.  I previously worked as a Learning Support Assistant at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College, where I worked for eight years.

I thoroughly enjoy working at St. Bede's and supporting children with their work.  It is such a rewarding job and I love helping the children to reach their potential. 

Ms. Debbie Price Teaching Assistant