BA (Edinburgh), BA (Hons) Manchester, QTS (Lancaster)

Having enjoyed education at Sherborne School and studied in Divinity in New College at Edinburgh University I enjoyed several jobs working with young people before deciding to train at Manchester University as a Probation Officer. After four years as a Probation Officer, two of which were spent working with Young Offenders (10-18yrs old) I was offered the opportunity to start a teaching career at Sedbergh School.

During over 15 years at Sedbergh I fell in love with what has become far more than a career in education. Time spent as a Housemaster, Designated Safeguarding Lead, rugby coach, and teacher of Philosophy and EPQ led me to understand that I had fallen on my feet with my career.

After 20 years of living in Cumbria, my wife Jess and I, decided it was time to see a different county and we moved to Herefordshire and a Prep School called The Elms, it was idyllic with a full working farm and twenty three horses. This was in sharp contrast with the 3-16 school I moved to in Sheffield. Westbourne was a very different pace of life and when the opportunity came to move back into an all through school in the North West at Austin Friars we jumped at the chance.

I am passionate about sport, wish I had more ability in music and I enjoy appreciating others ability in art. I wish I read more. I live in a beautiful rural home with Jess and our three children Rosie, Charlie and Eliza.

BA and PGCE (St Martins)

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BA (Hons) and PGCE (Sheffield Hallam)

My teaching career began in 1998 in a maintained school in Derbyshire, and since then I have taught across a range of year groups and key stages. My academic background, combined with a strong foundation in physical education and outdoor learning, has shaped my passion for delivering engaging, holistic educational experiences.  

I subsequently moved into senior leadership roles, serving as Head of Junior School in two co-educational, non-selective independent schools in South Yorkshire. These experiences have shaped a deep understanding of the academic and pastoral needs of young learners, and a strong belief in nurturing the whole child. 

I joined Austin Friars in January 2025 and have found it to be a truly supportive and dynamic community. In my current role, I support learning both inside and outside the classroom, helping children build resilience, independence, and a sense of connection with the natural world—particularly through our Forest School and outdoor learning programmes. Each day brings something new, and I feel privileged to contribute to such a nurturing and forward-thinking environment. 

As a father of two sons, I have a deep understanding of and empathy with the experiences and hopes of our parents. Outside of school, I enjoy walking with my wife - particularly along the coast - reading, and gardening. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for children to thrive both academically and personally and I’m proud to be part of a school that places such importance on care, character, and community. 

BA + QTS (Cumbria)

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Leaving a small village in Ireland at the age of 18 to pursue my Higher Education in Art was exciting but also a daunting time.

After a year in Salford, I moved to Carlisle to study a degree in Fine Art followed by a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design Education in St Martin's College in Lancaster (now the University of Cumbria).

After a few years teaching in Yorkshire, I returned to Carlisle and taught in two different schools where I gained experience as a Head of Department and a Head of House (Pastoral) before joining Austin Friars in 2005.

I instantly felt a great sense of community and how the Augustinian ethos of the school made it such a special and privileged place to work with young people, parents and staff.

As Head of Lower School looking after the children’s well-being, development, and supporting them not just academically, but emotionally and socially too is an honour and it is wonderful to see them develop and grow into young confident, ambitious, polite and sociable young women and men.

Having both my children at Austin Friars from the age of three, I have seen and experienced every stage of the journey the children encounter and the fantastic opportunities that are here for them.

Away from the classroom I love spending time with my family and friends, creating my own personal artwork, spending time outdoors and reading a good mystery or thriller book.

I am a born and bred Borderer, living in Galashiels with my wife Morag and West Highland terrier, Maisie. I have two grown up children, Greg and Katrina (a primary school teacher) and two granddaughters, Lily and Poppy.

My early career was spent in banking with the Royal Bank of Scotland, before taking up the position of Bursar at St Mary’s Prep School, Melrose. Having thoroughly enjoyed that role I was delighted to come to Austin Friars as Bursar in October 2012. It did not take long for me to develop a very strong bond with the School and affinity for its values and Augustinian spirit. On my retirement from the role in 2019 I retained a keen interest in the School and its continued progress.  Since retiring I have continued a long association with the Eildon Housing Association as a board member, am a volunteer at Abbotsford House (home of Sir Walter Scott) and currently Operations Manager for the South of Scotland Rugby. I am a keen walker and cyclist and love to travel!

Phil is a former pupil having attended the School from 1974 to 1981. After studying Mathematics and Computing at university he's spent most of the last thirty plus years working in Information Technology and, latterly, legal finance. He's married with two children and lives in central London. He was appointed to the Development Fund Board in 2015 and to the Board Of Trustees in 2019.

Sean attended Rickerby House preparatory school before joining Austin Friars as a Clare House day pupil, subsequentially attending Carlisle College to train as a Quantity Surveyor, serving this profession in both local and national organisations.

After leaving the construction industry, Sean took on the role of President for the Carlisle & District Chamber of Trade and latterly was a founder member and Chairman of the Carlisle Business Forum representing over 1000 local business whilst running his own business in the City.

In 1999 a strong interest in both technology and commerce drove Sean to his current employers Canon Europe, currently based from the European headquarters in London where he has covered all aspects of management, regionally and globally, along with responsibility for numerous training, development and recruitment initiatives.

Despite travelling extensively across the UK and Europe in his current role as Global Account Director, assisting global corporations in digital transformation, Sean has remained living in Carlisle with his wife Susan, an active member in the School PTA for many years and his son Nathaniel who has been a pupil since Pre-school.

“It was an easy decision to educate Nathaniel at Austin Friars when I look back at the guidance, life skills and ethos that I benefited from, I see those same high social and academic values being nurtured and encouraged in our son every day, the entire school community are ensuring all children have the best opportunities to succeed whilst growing into responsible and caring individuals ”

Sean brings extensive experience in global commerce and the digital workspace, he is incredibly passionate about the challenge of working on the Board of Trustees shaping the future stability and growth of the school to enable the pupils to fulfil their ambitions whatever their capabilities to meet the future social, economic and commercial opportunities.

Stephen moved to Carlisle over thirty years ago and practised as an Osteopath in the city.

Both of his children, who attended Friars and look back fondly on their time at the School, were supported and challenge in equal measure during their time at the School.

After previously being a member of our Board of Trustees (until early 2019), Stephen comes back with his eyes wide open and is excited to play a part in helping to shape the future of Austin Friars.

With many challenges to rise to, Stephen is drawn to the School's belief amongst staff that every child matters.

Chris Bull is the founder and director of Fine Art Restoration Co., one of the UK’s leading conservation studios with an international footprint and a reputation for innovation, problem-solving, and cultural stewardship. As a business leader with deep roots in the art, design, and commercial sectors, Chris brings strategic insight, operational experience, and a passion for purposeful growth to his role as trustee at Austin Friars. With three daughters currently attending the school, he is personally invested in its success and is committed to helping shape a future-facing, values-led environment for pupils and staff alike.

Chris is also a trustee of other local charities and has a strong personal connection to Carlisle, where he is deeply committed to the city’s continued success and development. At Austin Friars, he has led the Expanding Horizons Campaign, helping to drive forward major capital projects including the development of the Elizabeth Roberts Art & Design Centre. He contributes to marketing, admissions strategy, and commercial planning, drawing on his experience in brand positioning, digital engagement, and customer journey design. His approach is guided by three core values: can we help?, can we make a difference?, and growth with purpose—principles that reflect his belief in strong governance, practical action, and long-term impact.

Michelle has lived most of her life in Cumbria. She was brought up in Grange over Sands and educated at Our Lady's High School and 6th Form College in Lancaster (now Our Lady's Catholic College).

Michelle has a BSc (Hons) degree in Criminology from the University of Teesside and a BA (Hons) degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Manchester.

After working in a specialist school for boys with SEMH and then as part of a Psychology team in a young Offenders Institution, Michelle went on to qualify as a Probation Officer, working within prisons, court teams and the community.

After more than 17 years working in the Criminal Justice System, Michelle began a new career path in education. She is now entering her 12th year at the Queen Katherine School in Kendal where she is a pastoral Head of Year managing her 3rd year group. Michelle is also the Senior Student lead, training and coordinating older students in their role as peer mentors to help with the transition from primary to secondary.

The decision to become a Trustee of Austin Friars is underpinned by the value Michelle places on championing young people to reach their potential and the complete privilege it is to help shape their futures.

Michelle lives in Kendal with her husband, their 2 children and Sprocker dog. She loves sport, especially hockey (sadly only watching from the sideline these days!), reading, travelling and being in the local fells with friends and family.

Bio coming soon.

Sam has lived in Carlisle for most of her life, being educated locally in the city.  She has been involved with Austin Friars for 13 years as a parent with both of her children, John and Emilia, attending initially the Junior School and latterly the Senior School.  John has since graduated from Liverpool University and starting his journey as an Architect. “Our decision to send our children to Austin Friars has been a easy one, they have achieved academically but are part of a caring community that has given them opportunities to develop further skills for life.”

Sam is a qualified Careers Adviser and has expertise working with young people for over 25 years in areas such as education, youth services and education welfare.  She is currently working in a local school in pastoral capacity with sixth form students and is using her careers knowledge to support these them.  An Advanced Rugby Coach, Sam has been involved for over 30 years promoting rugby for women and girls in the county and further afield.  She is currently involved with Carlisle Rugby Club.

Mhairi completed a PGCE in Primary Education in 2014.  She taught for two years at Rockcliffe C of E school before joining the teaching team at Yewdale Primary School in September 2016.  Mhairi was given responsibility for coordinating Special Needs in March 2017, successfully completing the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO).  Since then, Mhairi has undertaken the role of SENCO, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and is currently Head of School, a position she feels extremely passionate about.  Mhairi works hard to ensure that children become confident, independent learners and strongly believes that all children should be given the support they need to realise their potential.  Mhairi turned to teaching later in life having travelled the world, raised three children (Harvey, Oscar and Fern) and enjoyed a 17-year career working in industry.

I was born on the 9th January 1954. I was brought up in the north of Scotland but in 1963 my parents moved to Penrith and later Carlisle. I was a boarder at Austin Friars from 1965 to 1973. On leaving school I worked for Smiths Gore the estate agents, in Carlisle. In August 1977 I entered the Augustinian Order. After studies in Dublin, London and Rome I took my Solemn Vows on the 8th December 1983 in Rome and on the 29th September 1984 I was ordained a priest in Dundee. I have had some short term appointments as well as three years as Parish Priest in St. Augustine's, Carlisle, eight years as Prior of our community in Dundee, during that time I was for six years chaplain to Ninewells Hospital. Before returning to Edinburgh in May of 2013, I had for ten years been part of an international community in a retreat house, in San Gimignano, Italy. I am a proud Scot and my interests are all things Italian, photography, cycling, hill walking, art and listening to music, mainly classical.