Senior Leadership Team

Paul joined Westholme in August 2024 and is now in his third Headship having previously led independent schools in West Yorkshire and Dubai. He graduated with a degree in Politics from Durham University and went on to teach in both the maintained and independent sector. Paul began his leadership career in a sponsored Academy before becoming Deputy Head (Academic) in a large independent school. He now lives in Blackburn with his wife, daughter and cockapoo.

What is your favourite school tradition or event?

My favourite Westholme School tradition is definitely the House Christmas plays. Giving the students a satirical voice – even when it is at my expense – empowers, develops emotional intelligence and is a really important part of the Westholme way!

Vivienne’s Westholme journey began as a student in 1982. She returned as Development Director in 2006, soon becoming Development and Marketing Director. In 2013, Vivienne was appointed as Commercial Director.

Following her degree at Oxford, Vivienne began employment in sales at a local furniture company, Allermuir. She worked up through the ranks, heading up export and then moved to global food business, Dr Oetker (formerly Schwan’s). She fulfilled varied commercial roles there, travelling extensively to the USA. Vivienne also completed the fast track Senior Executive Development Programme which only 0.03% of employees achieved.

Vivienne has loved every minute of the two decades here and enjoys seeing the pupils grow and thrive.

What is your favourite school tradition or event?

I attend as many events as possible, as they are all such wonderful showcases of the talent and promise we have at Westholme. I always feel so full of joy and pride. But those acappella opening bars of “Once in Royal David’s City,” delivered to a packed cathedral with such confidence and poise by the Sixth Form, give me a special tingle every year. Christmas begins at that moment for me!

Louise joined Westholme in 1992 as a Year 7 student and then returned as a teacher of English in January 2013, having qualified as an English, Drama and Media teacher on the FastTrack accelerated leadership programme, following the study of English at University of Nottingham. Previous teaching posts held included Head of Department and Head of Faculty for English, MFL, Music, Media and Drama, in addition to time spent overseas teaching English as an Additional Language in South-East Asia.

Becoming Head of Year 7 at Westholme Seniors in 2018, gave Louise the rewarding experience of inducting new students to the place that she had called ‘home’ years ago and seeing the difference Westholme can really make to young people as they see Senior school life and all of its opportunities for the very first time, as she did years ago.

Currently Louise is studying her NPQH and is a trustee for the Apex Learning Trust. She remains committed to ensuring that all students leave with the skills and qualifications to unlock doors, dreams and those exciting next chapters.

How would you describe Westholme?

Westholme is, and always has been, the place where the warmth and welcome is palpable and where every student is celebrated for their own unique talents and persona. A place to strive and thrive in.

Carla joined Westholme in 2002 as a fresh-faced, newly qualified Psychology teacher after studying at Staffordshire and Liverpool Universities. Within a year, she became Head of Psychology and has since held roles including Head of Year and Pastoral Deputy Head.

In January 2024, she stepped up as Acting Head at Prep, now Headteacher and is currently undertaking her NPQH.

Carla describes her journey at Westholme as being ‘deeply rewarding, both professionally and personally, with her own two children thriving at Westholme.’

What is your favourite school tradition or event?

Friday celebration assembly is always a highlight – nothing beats the joy of seeing children beam with pride over their achievements!

However, my favourite Westholme tradition is the Prep Showcase, seeing the incredible talent on display is always inspiring. It’s a wonderful celebration of creativity, confidence, and the unique strengths of every child.

Jonathan’s Westholme journey began as a student in 1988 before later graduating with a degree in Classical Civilisation at the University of Leeds. Whilst completing his PGCE at the University of Cambridge, Jonathan gained the position of Head of Latin and Classics at Westholme, finally returning to his roots in September 2007.

Since then, Jonathan has enjoyed working in various roles over the years including Head of Pendle House, coaching football and badminton alongside the PE Department and has been a proud member of the Performing Arts team, supporting productions over the years, now enjoying the role of Stage Manager.

In 2019, Jonathan became the Head of our INSPIRED Sixth Form, supporting our senior students through their A Level journey. He proudly supports every student as they take those important steps Beyond Westholme as dynamic, confident individuals who truly make a difference in the world.

What advice would you give to a new pupil joining Westholme?

Make the most of this incredible school, the opportunities, the events, the education, the people. We are a family, supportive and encouraging, so never be afraid to have a go; at Westholme we want to celebrate who you are and see you succeed in everything you attempt. Enjoy every moment of wonderful Westholme!

Rachel’s journey at Westholme began in 1992 when she joined the Billinge House Reception class. Her formative years as a student were instrumental in shaping her future success, and in 2006, she was awarded a prestigious academic scholarship to study at Newcastle University.

It was during her time as a student at Westholme that her love of learning was ignited, and nurtured, by a team of passionate and inspirational teachers. This experience solidified her ambition to pursue a career in education. Her primary goal was to share her passion for her subject with young people and to have the same impact that her own teachers had on her.

In 2011, Rachel started her first teaching post at Westholme as Teacher of Ethics, Philosophy and Religion. She progressed to become Head of Subject and later, Head of the Faculty for Humanities and Social Sciences. In 2025, she was appointed to join Senior Leadership in the position of Assistant Head, with responsibility for Staff Development.

Rachel considers it a privilege to work in an environment where students are characterised by their curiosity, respectfulness and kind nature. Although she has been a part of the Westholme community for nearly three decades, the remarkable individuals she is surrounded by ensure that her journey continues to be a rewarding adventure.

Describe Westholme in three words/phrases

Inspirational people, exceptional opportunities and delicious lunch!

Jude joined Westholme in September 2000 into the PE Department as the teacher in charge of swimming. A newly qualified teacher after gaining her PGCE from Durham University, she immediately fell in love with the school and vowed to never leave!

By August 2003 she had trained and organised two teams of swimmers to cross the English Channel and shortly afterwards became the Head of Year 10/11. Jude became Assistant Head-Pastoral in 2010 and Deputy Head-Pastoral in 2013.

Due to Jude’s unwavering desire to proactively improve student and staff wellbeing, she moved to the role of Strategic Wellbeing Lead in September 2025. Jude feels grateful to work at Westholme and loves the happy, warm and ambitious environment.

What is your favourite thing about Westholme?

Westholme is such an incredibly special place. I love that I have never had to be anyone but myself here. A lot of hard work takes place every day, but it is always accompanied by so much fun.

Ed joined Westholme in September 2023 as Head of History and Politics, moving from an independent girls’ school in South London. In March 2026, he stepped into the role of Assistant Headteacher (Culture).

Originally from the South East of England, Ed attended the University of Hull before transitioning from a brief career in sales management to teaching, completing his PGCE in 2010. His diverse experience spans the maintained and independent sectors, as well as Further Education. Throughout his career, Ed has remained dedicated to helping students challenge themselves academically and embrace the full breadth of extra-curricular opportunities available to them. Outside of the classroom, Ed is a keen follower of current affairs and sports, though his greatest passion is travel. In 2023, he fulfilled a decade-long ambition to visit every country in Europe and always enjoys discussing his next adventure. 

What is your favourite school tradition or event? 

As a historian, I particularly love the choice of Senior productions every year. Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Chiago; all of these musicals have fascinating historical settings and conjure up ideas such as revolution, patriarchy, warfare and crime that we cover in our history lessons. And seeing them brought to life on stage by Westholme’s all-star cast is a fantastic night of entertainment. 

Judith joined the Westholme family in 2002 as a Reception Class teacher at Billinge House. During her time at Westholme she has taught in all Lower Prep year groups and has extensive experience within the early years, leading in this area. Judith has taken on a range of leadership roles, including Key Stage 1 Lead, Deputy of Infants and Lead of EYFS. In 2016 Judith served as Acting Head of Infants and now currently holds the position of Deputy Head of Prep. Judith is presently undertaking  the NPQSL to further develop her skills in educational leadership.

Alongside her professional duties Judith is a volunteer counsellor with NSPCC Childline, a role that reflects her ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing and growth of young people.

What is your favourite school tradition or event?  

My favourite school tradition has got to be the Nativity performed by our youngest Westholmians! This is always a highlight of the year for me. It marks the beginning of the festive season and truly captures  a sense of wonder and togetherness. Watching the youngest members of our Westholme family share this story with such joy reminds me of the universal values it represents; hope, kindness and the beauty of community. It’s always a magical moment that brings the whole Westholme family together in the spirit of celebration and peace.

Rachel joined Westholme in 2019 as School Counsellor and Wellbeing Adviser and was appointed as Westholme’s Designated Safeguarding Lead in April 2026. Prior to this role, she worked across schools in Lancashire, providing counselling, guidance and support to students, while working closely with families to promote wellbeing. 

Before returning to education, Rachel spent 30 years as a Civil Servant, where she supported families and young people in overcoming barriers to reaching their full potential and achieving personal goals. 

Rachel went on to study at the University of Central Lancashire in 2008, graduating in 2011 with a Graduate Diploma in Professional Counselling. She has subsequently gained qualifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness for children.  

Rachel is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. 

Rachel considers it a huge privilege to work at Westholme, where every young person has the opportunity to thrive. 

What is your favourite thing about Westholme?  

My favourite thing about Westholme is its warm family feel. There is a genuine sense of belonging, where every student is known, supported and cared for. The wraparound care here ensures that students are supported on every level – academically, emotionally and socially.

Everyone is a valued member of the community, and it’s wonderful to see how hard work and achievement go hand in hand with enjoyment and lots of fun