Staff

Senior Leadership Team

Miss K. Lightfoot, Headteacher

I graduated from the University of Liverpool with a First Class BSc Honors degree in Anatomy and Human Biology before completing my teacher training at Edge Hill University. During my early career, I taught in a number of schools across Burnley and Pendle, giving me a strong understanding of the local area and the needs of its young people.

I joined Shuttleworth College as a science teacher in 2006 and have built my career here over the past two decades. During that time, I have held a wide range of leadership roles from Head of Science to Designated Safeguarding Lead. These roles have given me extensive experience across curriculum, pastoral care and whole‑school improvement, as well as a deep understanding of our students and community.

As Headteacher, I am committed to maintaining high standards while ensuring that every student feels safe, supported and challenged to achieve their very best. I know our families and local community extremely well and am proud to lead a school that plays such an important role in young people’s lives. It is a privilege to now lead the college that has shaped so much of my professional journey.

Ms. S. Sagar, Deputy Headteacher

I truly believe that a good education is one of the greatest gifts a person can receive, which is why I dedicate my working life to ensuring that the provision delivered here at Shuttleworth is of the highest possible quality. I am proud to oversee the pastoral support of our incredible students, ensuring their individual needs are met and that they can thrive in our community. I cannot think of a more rewarding occupation.

Mrs R. Turner, Senior Assistant Headteacher

‘I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.’

Being an avid reader has meant that a career driven by literature was inevitable. From staying up until 3am reading secretly with a torch as a child to gaining a first class honours degree, books have been an invaluable tool and source of joy for many years. Sharing a love of reading with Shuttleworth students as the Head of English and member of SLT makes me immensely proud.

Miss L. Pennington, Senior Assistant Headteacher

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team here at Shuttleworth College, I am incredibly proud to be making a difference to the lives of so many wonderful young people. In my role as Associate Assistant Head, as well as Curriculum Leader for Performance Arts; I oversee and implement the Pupil Premium plan in order to give every child the best start in life, no matter what their background. I am also in charge of the pastoral care of students in Years 7, 8 & 9.  Having graduated from Liverpool John Moores University and embarked on a career as a Physical Education teacher, I have a passion for sport and all things fitness. Through this, I hope to instil the values of resilience and perseverance in my students so that they can go on to achieve in all that they do.

Miss A. Bates, Assistant Headteacher

I graduated from the University of Manchester with a BA Joint Hons degree in German and Spanish, spending a year abroad living in Mannheim, Germany and then Madrid. Upon leaving University I knew I wanted to have a job which provided challenges and opportunities, whilst ultimately doing something that would help young people. I gained a place on Teach First’s Graduate Programme, being placed at Shuttleworth College as a Maths teacher, and I have never looked back.
I have been at Shuttleworth for 9 years, and have loved to see how our community works together to give our students the very best support and education for their next steps. My current role involves being Head of Maths, as well as working on the Senior Leadership Quality of Education Team. I am responsible for data tracking and reports, ensuring students are appropriately supported and also challenged to achieve their full potential. Watching our students go on to do great things in inspirational and makes me proud to be part of our community.

Mr R. Hinchliffe, Assistant Headteacher

I graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a BSc in Science and Education having formerly studied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (DipHE) at the University of Durham. When I left university I knew that I wanted to work in education supporting young people to reach their potential and be as successful as they can.

I started at Shuttleworth in May 2024 as an Assistant Headteacher and Science Teacher and have loved seeing how the community works together to give students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the world. My specific role sits within the Quality of Education Team focusing on how we ensure the practise delivered in our classrooms is the best it can be.

Mrs R. Hodges, Business Manger

I graduated from the University of Lancaster with a BA Hons in Business Management. I have worked in the education sector for over a decade, with the last 7 years spent here at Shuttleworth College. I am incredibly proud to be part of the Shuttleworth Community and feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to enhance and support the lives of so many young people. I am responsible for helping to ensure the smooth and successful running of the school and provide strategic leadership, management and development of efficient financial, personnel and support services.

Mrs T. Selves, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

I am passionate about safeguarding and feel privileged to support our young people at Shuttleworth as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Alongside my role, I am a qualified coach with a strong interest in counselling and bring extensive experience across all areas of safeguarding. Prior to working in education, I spent many years in the voluntary sector as a Safeguarding Officer, supporting Calderdale charities with their strategic safeguarding responsibilities and delivering safeguarding training to volunteers.

I have worked in education for over ten years in a range of roles, including SEND Support Lead, Head of Year 7 and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in Yorkshire schools. A Burnley girl born and bred, I returned to the area in 2022 and began my role at Shuttleworth as Deputy DSL in June 2022.

I have a deep understanding of our local community and the challenges that young people and families can face. I am extremely proud to be part of the dedicated team here at Shuttleworth and committed to ensuring every student feels safe, supported and able to thrive.

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“I truly believe Shuttleworth is a fantastic place to learn and to work. If you would like to find out more about us or have a tour of the college please do not hesitate to contact us.”

Karen Lightfoot, Headteacher