Joanne Fearon
Head Teacher, Bransty Primary School, LASL West Chair
I have been Head Teacher at Bransty Primary School in Whitehaven for 14 years, following my Deputy Headship for one and a half years previously. My education journey started at one of the largest Primary Schools in West Cumbria, Jericho Primary School, where I led the Upper Key Stage unit for over 10 years.
I have worked in education since leaving University, having roles in senior leadership from early on in my career. I passed my NPQH and knew from then, I wanted to make a difference in the work I undertook in my subsequent roles. These posts have all involved working with a high number of disadvantaged pupils and I am interested in ensuring we give our children the best start in life.
I am on the WELL Board as I took over as LASL West Chair this September after the councils divided into two new areas. I am honoured to be part of the group, as I am aware of the great impact this has made to our area already.
I have been involved in using research and evidence for our school improvement planning for the last few years and have been an advocate of the WELL initiative since its launch. I have worked directly with Dale Hill on my own school’s development as well as highlighting the need to focus on the issues in our local communities in order to serve the children of tomorrow and make our area the best it can be.
I am keen to focus on school improvement in all its guises and certainly look at how evidence-based research can empower our teachers and leaders in order to enhance provision for all our learners.
I am delighted and honoured to be part of the WELL Board as this will enable me to connect the networks in this area, working on everyone’s strengths and have a commonality to ensure we do the best for our young people. I am born and bred in West Cumbria and proud to see our area flourish going forward.