Mr A Oliver

Headteacher

I am Andrew Oliver, and I am very proud to be Headteacher of Whitworth Community High School. I originally trained as a Music teacher but also developed my teaching skills in Religious Studies. Prior to moving to Whitworth Community High School I held various middle leadership roles in schools in Rochdale, Oldham and Manchester. I first came to the school in May 2014 as Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for whole-school Teaching and Learning initiatives. After having successfully led Teaching and Learning and having widened my areas of leadership expertise, I was promoted to the role of Deputy Headteacher in 2019. During the DfE Rebuilding Schools Programme, I took on additional operational responsibility for the day to day running of the school to give my predecessor sufficient time to work with the designers and builders of our fantastic new building.   

My vision is simple: I want to lead Whitworth Community High School as it continues to ‘climb higher’ towards becoming an outstanding school at the heart of the local community. This will be achieved through strong and ethical strategic leadership, underpinned by respect and driven by consistently implemented policies and practices designed to keep children safe and to help them to achieve the highest possible outcomes that they are capable of.

I am committed to the highest possible standards in every aspect of school life. It is important that students dress smartly, have excellent attendance, arrive on time, are resilient with their school work and aspirational in their outlook. I ensure that students are recognised and rewarded for their efforts but also make certain that appropriate sanctions and restorative practices are in place to help students to understand that our high educational and behavioural standards are non-negotiable. All of the above is important so that as a school, we can prepare the students, not only for their GCSE examinations but also for their future careers.

Mr A Kewin

Deputy Headteacher (Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare)

My name is Andy Kewin and I am Deputy Headteacher at Whitworth Community High School.  My responsibilities include the personal development, behaviour and welfare of our pupils. I am fortunate enough to track pupils holistically and my aim is to make sure every child has the best school experience they can.

I moved to Whitworth having spent years working at Fulwood Academy in Preston.  My roles there were varied: I developed and guided two separate departments, designing schemes of work to fit the ever-changing curriculum and I eventually moved towards a whole-school pastoral role. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to bring my experience to our school. The needs and aspirations of our pupils are at the forefront of every decision that is made at Whitworth, and I am proud to be able build upon the foundations laid down by other hard-working members of staff. 

Behaviour for learning is my priority.  Like every teacher at our school, I strive to ensure that every pupil in our community is happy, thriving and achieving the results they deserve.

Mr P Bland

Deputy Headteacher 

I am Paul Bland and I am a Deputy Headteacher as well as Teacher of Science. My responsibilities are for the overview of quality of education. It is also my job to ensure that parents and carers are kept informed about the progress that their children are making. I love the variety and rewards that come from teaching and consider my move into teaching as one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I particularly like the hands on learning that science lessons can include, and strive to pass on my enthusiasm to our students.

Prior to joining Whitworth I have been Head of Chemistry and Professional mentor in local schools. Before entering education, I worked throughout the UK for a speciality chemical company and was the production manager in a paper mill. I was a primary school governor for twelve years, most recently as chair of governors.

Growing up in Bacup and having attended the same primary school as some of our students gives me a great affinity for them and for Whitworth High School

Mrs J Howarth

Assistant Headteacher (Literacy & Intervention)

My name is Jane Howarth and I joined Whitworth Community High School six years ago, having moved from my previous role as Head of English at Wardle Academy.  This is a post that brings many exciting and varied challenges whilst working closely with other senior colleagues. In addition to my teaching commitment and line management of English, part of my remit is to ensure that literacy and numeracy skills are embedded across the curriculum. Poor literacy skills will act as a barrier to learning and will, therefore, impact negatively on what students can do and how they see themselves. Crucially, at Whitworth Community High School we believe that literate students will ultimately emerge as confident and articulate communicators, fully prepared to enter the adult world, whether to continue their academic studies or to enter the world of work. I am proud of the fact that Whitworth students are confident communicators and our last Ofsted report stated that “Students’ literacy and numeracy skills are developed across a range of subjects; consequently, students are numerate, literate and increasingly well-read.”

Another part of my role is organising and developing intervention strategies, primarily for Year 11 students in order to maximise our students’ potential to achieve the very best results they can. At Whitworth, I am proud to belong to a team of extremely committed staff (teachers and associate staff) who are keen to give of their time for our students. We run classes over every half-term and at Easter, as well as before, after and during lunch time, which shows our commitment to develop the potential of all our students so they achieve excellence.

Mrs C Haworth

Assistant Headteacher

I am Charlotte Haworth, Assistant Headteacher, with responsibility for Teaching and Learning. This means I help all teachers across school, be the very best they can in the classroom.

Before I joined WCHS, I was subject leader for geography at Haslingden High School where I led a successful department in achieving some of the best results in school. At HHS, I became a Specialist Leader for Education (SLE). As SLE, I worked with various schools in the North West and supported their curriculum development in geography and other areas.

As a parent of two children I am aware of the pressures children face both in and out of school. I know that children deserve the best possible chances to achieve their full potential at school. My role here at WCHS will help staff ensure that this potential can be reached with support from home and commitment from pupils.

I am a Lancastrian living locally, with a passion for the outdoors. I spend my free time with my family, exploring the hills of the Rossendale valley and surrounding area.

Mrs G Mellor

Business Manager

My name is Gaynor Mellor, I have been the Business Manager at Whitworth Community High School since August 2000.  Prior to being appointed I worked as a Bursar at two schools in Rochdale and as a Finance Officer for Rossendale Borough Council and Rochdale MBC.

My role within school encompasses the majority of non-teaching areas, including Finance, Personnel and Health and Safety.

I am proud to be an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, and as part of a strong and committed staff who believe strongly that education has the power to provide opportunities and life chances, enabling all students to ‘Climb Higher.’