Senior Staff
JOHN BARNES – Acting Headteacher
John Barnes is a graduate of the University of Liverpool, joined the school in September 1993 as Head of Mathematics and member of the Senior Management Team. He previously worked in the Mathematics Department and as Head of Sixth Form at St Chad's RC Comprehensive, Runcorn. From 2000 to 2010 he was the Deputy Headteacher at St James' and spent a year on secondment with Ofsted from September 2010 until August 2011. John firmly believes that Catholic schools are at the heart of the Church's mission in the service of others.
Penny Mullen – Acting Deputy Headteacher
My teaching career began in 1989. I have always worked in Greater Manchester schools and have been at St James’ for the past 8 years. Posts have included Assistant Head of Year, Head of Department, Head of Humanities, Manchester Metropolitan University professional mentor and for the last 6 years I have been Key Stage 3 coordinator.
I am passionate about my job and the children I serve.
My aim is to maximise pupil achievement ensuring that children are ready to embrace the demands of this society in which we live.
Mrs Patrica Livesey – Assistant Headteacher (Key Stage 4)
I have worked at St James' for 10 years after a long career break at home with my children. After a period of time as a supply teacher I was appointed as the teacher in charge of Learning for Living and ASDAN. These two subjects are at the very heart of what I believe education is about. The whole child has to be developed and every child is unique and different, made in the image of God and we as teachers have a duty to help each child develop to their full potential. Prior to my present temporary appointment I was Director of the Facuty of Personal Development and in charge of PSHE. My own two daughters have attended St James' and been very happy here, and I could strongly recommend this school to any parent.
Mrs Ruth Morgan - Acting Assistant Headteacher (Key Stage 3)
I have taught in schools in Stockport since 1992. I am committed to my faith and proud to be part of the St James' family since 2003. I am passionate about my role as an English teacher, inspiring pupils to be confident writers with a love of reading. I have held various positions of responsibility including co-ordinator for Gifted & Talented pupils, teacher in charge of Enrichment, Head of Year, Deputy Director of the PSHE Faculty and I have completed a year sharing the post of Assistant Head for key stage 4. Since September 2010 I have been acting Assistant Head for Key Stage 3. I am committed to ensuring every person in the school community feels supported in their spiritual, personal and academic ability.
Dr Stephen Guscott - Assistant Headteacher Specialist Schools
Steve Guscott is a graduate of the University of Sheffield and started teaching in September 2001. He became teacher in charge of History in2002, and subsequently Head of Citizenship in 2003.
Since September. he has been in charge of managing the Humanities and Leading Edge specialisms, as well as looking after staff CPD and the induction of NQTs and new staff.
Steve is committed to developing the distinctive nature of a Catholic school, and is passionate about high quality teaching, providing new and different learning opportunities and making school 'the place to be'.