Four new appointments at Rainford High

Rainford High has announced the promotion of four members of staff.

After 14 years as PE Faculty Leader, Gary Makin, has taken on the new role of director of personal development and whole school CEAIG (careers education, information and guidance).

Personal development and wellbeing are crucial elements of the school curriculum and the whole school ethos of Everyone Matters, Everyone Helps, Everyone Succeeds. The role will ensure all students at Rainford High, and schools within Rainford Academies Trust, have access to high quality personal development and CEAIG that reaches across the school curriculum and beyond to support their development as well informed, productive and successful members of the school and wider community.

Stephanie Charlesworth, who was previously NQT lead and head of French, has accepted the position of director of learning and development. The position will involve leading and supporting whole school teaching and learning, early career phase teacher development and the introduction of the new School Direct programme.

Stephanie will also be an ELE (evidence lead in education) for Meols Cop Research School. She will fulfil this role alongside her new role at Rainford High.

As an ELE, Stephanie will help schools across the region in implementing evidence informed practice. This may involve leading or co-leading twilight events to communicate latest research findings, delivering on training courses for schools, or visiting schools to support them in turning theory into practice.

Former Learning Leader, Laura Cross is to become director of stakeholder academic engagement with responsibility for disadvantaged students.

Laura will be responsible for leading the whole school strategy for school events, supporting disadvantaged students accessing the support and development programme and leading on the pastoral and academic support structures for disadvantaged students across Years 7-11.

Finally, Laura Wall has been promoted to director of vocational subjects. Her role is to coordinate the delivery of vocational subjects across the school and work with the school’s partners. Laura will be responsible for raising the profile of vocational subjects and support the teaching and learning to improve student outcomes.

Principal of Rainford High, Ian Young, said: “I am delighted that we have strengthened the senior team even further. Gary, Stephanie, Laura and Laura have been part of Rainford High for many years and represent everything the school stands for.

“These new roles will ensure our students and staff continue to be supported in the best possible way and I look forward to seeing how this will benefit the school as a whole.”