Meet the Staff

Mrs McGibbon

SENCo

I’ve taught English here at Penwortham Girls’ since 2007 and have been a member of the Learning Support Department since 2011. I have thoroughly enjoyed my role within the Learning Support Department and feel a great sense of pride in being appointed as SENCo from September 2016. We are a lively, enthusiastic department of highly qualified staff and are committed to making sure that all pupils with SEND have a fulfilling and meaningful education with equal opportunity to achieve and participate whilst at PGHS.

Outside of work my interests include reading (naturally), walking the dog and spending time with my family.

Miss Parker

Deputy SENCo and HLTA

Since graduating with a Mathematics degree in 2014, I have been lucky enough to work in the Learning Support department at PGHS. After starting out as a teaching assistant specialising in Mathematics, I am now Deputy SENCo and get to enjoy supporting our students in all aspects of their school life. My role involves a range of responsibilities from helping the new year 7s to settle into high school life, to teaching a personal and social development course to some of our older, higher need learners and everything in between. Every day is different at PGHS which keeps my job fun and exciting. I look forward to coming to school knowing that my time and support for the pupils is really making a difference. Outside of school I have two horses that take up plenty of my spare time and enjoy travelling as much as possible.

Mrs Aldred

Teaching Assistant

Hello, I’m Mrs Aldred. I joined the Learning Support Department at PGHS, in December 2022. I work with students in small groups or 1:1, supporting their academic progress.

I worked in Early Years, in Blackburn with Darwen, for 21.5 years. I gained a BTEC Level 3 in Early Years Education, from Blackburn College, whilst working there, attending college 1 day a week. I completed it in 2002. I worked for BwD in a variety of roles, before deciding I wanted a new challenge. I had worked in the Ethnic Minorities team, Social Services and the peripatetic Inclusion Support Service.

I took some time out before joining a community college high school, in Burnley. At first I supported the teams in the English and Modern Foreign Languages departments, and ran the Library 1 day a week. I then moved up to a support worker in their SEND department, supporting students with a huge variety of abilities and additional needs. I really enjoyed learning basic braille (both reading and typing) whilst I was there, as it complements the Makaton sign language I had used in my previous roles.

Away from work, I am married with 3 grown up children and 2 young granddaughters. We have a campervan that we try to use most weekends. We travel all around the UK in it, but have also visited France, Belgium and Southern Spain.

Miss L Avery

Teaching Assistant

After completing a degree in Dietetics and working for the NHS for a number of year in many roles, I undertook a PGCE to become a teacher in 2016. I was lucky enough train at PGHS and then was employed as a teacher. Whilst my own children are also studying for their GCSEs and A’ Levels (in science of course !), I made the decision to become a teaching assistant so I could support them fully at home. I was so pleased to be able to carry on in the science department as a Teaching Assistant here at PGHS. This is by far my favorite job, combining my love of science with teaching and learning of our future scientists.

Out of school I love walking and the outdoors so I am a scout leader and I walk miles with my dog, Lola.

Mrs Byard

Teaching Assistant

Hi, I’m Mrs. Byard and I have been at PGHS since 2015. I qualified as a Primary School teacher back in 2002; since then I have taught in primary school, young offender education and finally found my niche in secondary school. I started at PGHS as a cover supervisor, but I was soon welcomed into the English department; teaching English in both Key Stage 3 and 4. I have learnt a lot from our fantastic English department and I utilise this as much as I can as a teaching Assistant.

My passion is sharing my love for English to support our SEND students in school. I joined the SEND team as a TA specialising in English. I absolutely love working with our students on a one to one basis and in small groups. I have built up some brilliant relationships with both staff and pupils in the SEND department.

I am an avid reader outside of school and my list of favourite books is very eclectic. I enjoy spending time with my teenage children and my cat, Lola.

Mrs Cousins

Teaching Assistant

Hi, I’m Mrs Cousins.  I worked in learning support for several years before training and working as a PE Teacher for 7 years.  I chose to come back to learning support because I find the work very rewarding and it’s fantastic to see pupils achieve!  

I currently work with pupils in both KS3 and KS4 in a variety of subjects, helping them to access their learning.  I also lead Geography Powerful Knowledge lessons and run Circle Time for year 8 alongside Mrs Lucas.  

Outside school I try to keep fit and healthy, and I also enjoy getting lost in a good book.

Miss Dobson

Teaching Assistant

Hi! I’m Miss Dobson and I am a Teaching Assistant within the Learning Support Department here at Penwortham Girls’. Prior to PGHS, I was a Teaching Assistant in a specialised school in Lancashire and supported a variety of needs on a 1-1 and small group basis. I provide 1-1 support in classes, support in Study Support and teach alternate provision lessons. I also was once a Penwortham Girl myself and I have a qualification in Motor Vehicle Studies. In my spare time, I enjoy being under the hood of my car upgrading parts and going on adventures!

Mrs Embley 

Teaching Assistant

I have worked at Penwortham Girls since 2007, first as a cover supervisor then later joining the very welcoming Learning Support Department.

My role as a teaching assistant varies from supporting pupils in the classroom to working with small groups on core subject catchup sessions.

For many years I’ve been involved in running our Breakfast Club for year 7’s early risers. Here girls aim to improve their Maths and English skills using various computer programmes. Breakfast Club girls also enjoy a fun start to their day challenging each other at board games.

At lunchtimes I lead circle time groups where pupils can work on their social skills, whilst having discussions and making new friends.

I love helping to run our department’s Craft Club assisting girls to use their creativity and flair to produce a wide array of art pieces often made from recyclable materials.

Mrs Hardie

Teaching Assistant

Hello, my name is Mrs Hardie and I am a Teaching Assistant within the Learning Support Department, specialising in Mathematics. During my time at Penwortham Girls’, I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting pupils with their learning. Working alongside dedicated teachers, I provide in-class support as well as teaching small groups to consolidate subject knowledge. Additionally, I assist students on a one-to-one basis where I target the specific areas required for the pupil’s academic progress. I particularly enjoy creating songs and rhymes to help pupils retain the subject content for certain topics, which is especially useful for their revision. In the mornings, I am available to support students with completing their homework or simply refocusing before the school day begins. I also run IDL Club two mornings a week for targeted Year 8 and 9 pupils. IDL is a specialist literacy computer programme which incorporates a multisensory approach individually tailored to improve a pupils reading and spelling age. 

Mrs Lucas

Teaching Assistant

Hello, I’m Mrs Lucas and I have recently started as a Teaching Assistant at Penwortham Girls. I am a qualified Art Teacher, however, I have predominantly worked as a SEN HLTA and Teaching Assistant in my previous roles. In the couple of years before coming to Penwortham, I have been raising my daughter. I enjoy providing 1-1 and group support to students and really gaining a full understanding of their learning needs and how I can best support them. I love how every day is different working in a school environment and it is evident from my time so far at Penwortham, that the girls are all very enthusiastic and they look forward to learning. Outside of school, I have a huge passion for interior design and can be regularly found with a paintbrush or roll of wallpaper in my hand! Recently I also completed a Masters qualification in Textiles where I learnt many techniques such as weaving; which I now enjoy doing in my spare time. Basically, I enjoy doing anything creative!

Miss Mansoor

Teaching Assistant

Hello I’m Miss Mansoor. I recently started at Penwortham Girls in September 2020 working for the Learning and Support Team. Ever since i completed my Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Childrens learning & development in 2011 I started working in a nursery and thoroughly enjoyed working with young children. Whilst working I also studied for my degree in BA Honours Positive Practice with Children & Young People at the University Centre of Blackburn and graduated in 2014. I also took on the role as Deputy Manager and Assistant SENCO. I worked at the nursery til September 2019 and then started a role in an office doing a computer job and eventually changed back into education as this is what I love to do. Outside of school I love to do baking and I will always be busy baking cakes, brownies and cookies! I also enjoy going on scenic walks and taking photographs!

Mrs Wylie

Teaching Assistant

I started work here in September 2023 as a teaching assistant with year 7. I work 1 to 1 and generally helping in class. Prior to this I had been an invigilator here for 18years while also working in a local primary school for 15 years. My three daughters attended this school. I now have 4 lovely grandchildren. Outside of school I enjoy walking and gardening and am an active member of my local church.

  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award
  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award