Meet our dedicated governors, who are committed to providing the highest quality educational experience for all the children at Lowther Endowed School and Little VIPs Day Care.

Cecilia Emery

Chair of Governors

I am an experienced governor in Special Schools and Alternative Provision settings, primary, secondary and Early Years using my knowledge and experience gained from a long career in the Civil Service in policy and over twenty years working and directly supporting leaders in schools and academy trusts.  I have strong HR, Project Management and Financial Management skills which I have used to support the transfer of Little VIPs and secure significant capital grant funding for the school.  I joined the governing body at Lowther in 2022 and made it my priority as a governor to ensure that all our children, particularly those most needing support, benefit from the very best that our school has to offer. 

I am now retired and live locally with my husband and rescue greyhound. We can usually be found out walking and running on the fells or out on our bikes.  

 

Alice Vince

Vice Chair of Governors

I am a highly experienced Children’s Occupational Therapist, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to the governing body in my role as Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Governor. With a professional background in supporting children’s physical and sensory development, understanding the barriers that some pupils face in accessing learning and the strategies that can help them thrive.

I live locally with my family and my son and daughter attend Lowther Endowed school. 

 

Stephen Tudway

Foundation Governor

I started my career in IT and then spent 20 years as a barrister, practising in corporate insolvency, commercial fraud, IT and space programmes. I was ordained by the Church of England in 2017 and I am now the priest in charge of the North Westmorland Benefice, an area encompassing 13 church buildings and 6 primary schools.

I have been a school governor in different contexts and roles for about 18 years. I have two grown-up children and I am married to Charlotte, who is Director of Education for the Diocese of Carlisle.

 

Chris Stanoiwski

Foundation Governor

I am a Chartered Architect and Director of Manning Elliott Partnership, with offices in Penrith and Manchester, with significant experience leading projects across community, residential and commercial sectors. I bring expertise in design, construction, regulation, health and safety, and project management, with a strong interest in creating inspiring environments that enable young people to achieve their full potential. As a former associate and current guest lecturer in architecture at the University of Manchester, I have a particular interest in education and pedagogy at all levels. Living in Hackthorpe with my family, I am committed to supporting the school and wider community.

John Banks

Foundation Governor

 

 

 

 

Christine Strong

Foundation Governor

 

 

 

 

Simon Cooper

Foundation Governor

 

 

 

 

Gabriella Watkins

Parent Governor

We moved into the local area in 2024 and chose Lowther for our two children as the warmth, passion and care for each child radiated from the staff. After 11 years teaching secondary school Science, I now work for the Stroke Association charity as a Service Delivery Coach across the North West, helping to secure services and support for those impacted by stroke. I work closely with our NHS, social services and other local organisations to help create a safe environment for stroke recovery. As a teacher, I have worked in pastoral roles, in specialist provision and also in middle school settings with children from Year 5 and older. I am Autistic and have ADHD and feel passionate about creating environments where all children are seen and known as individuals.

I believe a collaborative approach with parents, carers, families, professionals and all those in the wider school community is vital for the pupils to feel a sense of belonging and purpose. I am also really interested in working alongside the staff to provide a diverse, flexible and creative curriculum which makes the most of our wonderful school setting!

 

Michelle Clark

Staff Governor: Headteacher - Ex-Officio

I am delighted to be joining as headteacher and working closely with the whole community. I previously spent six years as headteacher of Asby Endowed School, and before that had the privilege of teaching in Cyprus, Naples, and the Midlands, mainly in small schools. I am passionate about ensuring every child has a positive and enriching experience in school, and I enjoy creating opportunities that inspire both learning and personal growth. I also have a daughter in Key Stage 2 who attends Lowther, so I share the perspective of being both a teacher and a parent within the school community. Before my teaching career, I studied archaeology at university and served in the Intelligence Corps of the Army in my early twenties, experiences that shaped my curiosity, resilience, and commitment to working with others. Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors and taking part in activities that keep me connected to nature.

Hayley Fassam

Co-opted: Little VIPs Day Care

I am delighted to be the Nursery Manager at Little VIPs and to be part of such a caring and ambitious community. I have been teaching for 14 years, mainly in the Early Years, and especially enjoyed leading on maths and nurture. My career has taken me to schools of all sizes across the UK, and two years ago my family and I relocated to Cumbria, where I worked with Children’s Services before joining Little VIPs.

With the nursery and school working together, we have a wonderful opportunity to build strong foundations for learning and create a supportive community for all. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and exploring the outdoors.