At Brackenwood Junior School, we are proud to have a team of passionate and dedicated educators who are committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for our pupils. Our staff members bring a wealth of experience, diverse backgrounds, and a shared commitment to excellence in education. Each member of our team plays a crucial role in supporting our pupils' academic and personal growth.
Miss Fry
Headteacher
Having served as Headteacher here for the past five years, leading our vibrant school community is an absolute privilege. Nothing brings me more joy than watching our children grow, learn, and exceed their own expectations every single day.
Our staff team is dedicated to creating a safe, inspiring environment where academic achievement and personal growth go hand in hand. The curiosity, resilience, and kindness our pupils show—whether in the classroom, on the stage, or on the playground—make me endlessly proud.
I value our strong partnership with parents and families, and I look forward to continuing our work together to help every child thrive.
Our staff team is dedicated to creating a safe, inspiring environment where academic achievement and personal growth go hand in hand. The curiosity, resilience, and kindness our pupils show—whether in the classroom, on the stage, or on the playground—make me endlessly proud.
I value our strong partnership with parents and families, and I look forward to continuing our work together to help every child thrive.
Ms Balmer- Assistant Headteacher, PSHE Lead - SENDCO
Assistant Headteacher, Pastoral Lead, PSHE Lead - SENDCO
I'm Ms Balmer and I'm currently Assistant Headteacher, SENDCO and Pastoral Lead at Brackenwood Juniors. I've worked at the school since 2015, when I started as a newly qualified teacher and became SENDO here after returning from maternity leave in September 2022. I've loved working as part of the team since I started here and I've really enjoyed seeing how far the school has come over the last few years. I've had many roles during my time here but SENDCO has been the one I find the most rewarding. In my spare time, I enjoy taking my two children out, who are 2 years old and 15 years old. When I have free time, I enjoy spending it doing outdoor activities such as hiking and visiting new places. I also like to spend time going to the gym and seeing friends.
Mr Hawthorne Deputy Headteacher, Year 6 class teacher
Deputy Headteacher
I am thrilled to join the school community this September as your new Deputy Headteacher. From my very first day, the warm welcome from staff, families, and especially our wonderful pupils has made it clear what a special place this is.
My primary focus is to build on the school's strong foundations, working closely with our Headteacher and dedicated team to ensure every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired. I am passionate about creating an environment where every student can discover their strengths and reach their full potential.
I am deeply looking forward to getting to know our pupils, working alongside our talented staff, and building strong partnerships with parents and the wider community. Here is to a fantastic year ahead of learning and growing together.
My primary focus is to build on the school's strong foundations, working closely with our Headteacher and dedicated team to ensure every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired. I am passionate about creating an environment where every student can discover their strengths and reach their full potential.
I am deeply looking forward to getting to know our pupils, working alongside our talented staff, and building strong partnerships with parents and the wider community. Here is to a fantastic year ahead of learning and growing together.
Ms Dawson- Year 6 Class Teacher - English Lead
Year 6 Class Teacher - English Lead
Hello - I'm Ms Dawson! I've worked at Brackenwood Juniors for 8 years, starting in Year 3 and then moving to Year 6. I have a two year old boy who is a little ray of sushine :) My favourite subject to teach is writing because I love seeing the shock on children's faces when they compare their Autumn work to Summer work, and their delight at the progress they have made.
Mrs Elliott Year 5 class teacher - PE Lead
I am delighted to join the team this year, bringing a background in specialist SEND provision to my classroom practice. Having spent several years tailoring learning to meet diverse needs, I am passionate about creating an inclusive, highly supportive environment where every child feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed in mainstream primary education.
Beyond the classroom, I live and breathe sport and am thrilled to be leading PE across the school. I firmly believe that physical activity is powerful not just for health, but for building confidence, teamwork, resilience, and joy. I can't wait to get active with our pupils, introduce new opportunities, and cheer them on as they discover what they are capable of achieving.
Beyond the classroom, I live and breathe sport and am thrilled to be leading PE across the school. I firmly believe that physical activity is powerful not just for health, but for building confidence, teamwork, resilience, and joy. I can't wait to get active with our pupils, introduce new opportunities, and cheer them on as they discover what they are capable of achieving.
Mrs Williams- Year 5 Class Teacher
Hello! I’m Mrs Williams and I am the Year 5 class teacher. A little bit about me: my Favourite subject is Science. I love encouraging children to explore, investigate, and ask big questions about the world around them.
I’ve previously taught in Year 1 and Year 3, and I’m looking forward to the challenge and excitement of teaching Year 5. Outside of school, I enjoy running, walking my Labrador, Rossi, exploring the Lake District, and spending time with my family. I’m thrilled to be part of the Brackenwood community!
I’ve previously taught in Year 1 and Year 3, and I’m looking forward to the challenge and excitement of teaching Year 5. Outside of school, I enjoy running, walking my Labrador, Rossi, exploring the Lake District, and spending time with my family. I’m thrilled to be part of the Brackenwood community!
Mrs Worthington Year 4 Class Teacher - Non-Core Curriculum Lead
My name is Miss Worthington and I have worked at Brackenwood Junior School for many years (over 20 years!). During this time, I have worked in every year group, but have spent the most amount of time in Year 3 and Year 5. My favourite subject to teach is History and I particularly love The Tudors and local history facts. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family - we like going to Chester Zoo, visiting National Trust properties and, one of my favourites, a day out to a castle.
Mrs Kavanagh Year 4 Class Teacher - Music Lead and Thrive Lead Practitioner.
Music Lead and Thrive Lead Practitioner.
I am Mrs Kavanagh. I have been teaching for 11 years, 10 of which have been at Brackenwood Junior. Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a litigation lawyer in Liverpool, Manchester and Bristol. My skills of negotiation and dispute resolution have come in very handy in the classroom at times! I am currently the schools Thrive Practitionar and music lead as well as a Year 4 class teacher. I love teaching languages and speak French, Italian and Spanish myself. I enjoy making these lessons fun, engaging and interactive to try and inspire children to share my love of languages. I am married with 2 young children and as a family we love the outdoors and will often be found out walking, exploring and camping whatever the weather! We are also big advocates of the arts. We enjoy going to the theatre, cinema and music concerts whenever we can and I enjoy bringing drama activities into the classroom. I sing in a large community choir 'Cantemus at Calday' and regularly perform in concerts in the local area. I also lead the school choir at Brackenwood and enjoy taking part in Young Voices with them and singing to the elderly with the Year 4 pupils at Bebington Care Home.
Ms Woodall Year 3 Class Teacher - Maths Lead
Maths Lead
Hello everyone, I'm Ms Woodall - I have worked at Brackenwood Junior School for over 20 years and have experience across the whole Key Stage. My roles over the years have varied greatly: from PE and Science leader, to student and ECT mentor, to name just a few. I'm currently the Maths and Geography leader. For the last few years, I have also had the role of Lead Professional, which is an exciting 'side line' to my classroom based work. I love teaching Year 5 and sharing fun and exciting lessons with the eager and delightful pupils here at Brackenwood.
Miss Costelloe -Year 3 Class Teacher - Non-Core Curriculum Lead
Year 3 Class Teacher
I am delighted to join Year 3 this term and welcome our pupils into Key Stage 2. Lower Key Stage 2 is such an exciting turning point in a child's school journey, and I am passionate about making this transition smooth, encouraging, and full of memorable learning experiences.
My goal is to create a vibrant, structured, and curious classroom where every child feels confident to take risks, ask questions, and celebrate their progress. I am genuinely looking forward to getting to know each of my pupils, uncovering their unique strengths, and working in close partnership with parents and carers to ensure a fantastic year ahead.
My goal is to create a vibrant, structured, and curious classroom where every child feels confident to take risks, ask questions, and celebrate their progress. I am genuinely looking forward to getting to know each of my pupils, uncovering their unique strengths, and working in close partnership with parents and carers to ensure a fantastic year ahead.
Mrs Nicol - Business Manager
Mrs Milne - Office Administor and attendance lead
Hello - I'm Emma, I've worked at Brackenwood Junior School for 15 years, transitioning from a career in finance. My time at the school has been incredibly fulfilling, and I truly love working here. The experience has allowed me to combine my passion for education with the skills I developed in the financial sector. It has been a joy to contribute to the growth and development of our students, and I'm proud to be part of such a wonderful community.
Site Team
Mr Murray - Caretaker, Mr Mineikis - Cleaner, Mrs Quick - Cleaner
The Site Team at Brackenwood Junior School is a dedicated group of professionals committed to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for our students and staff. With a wealth of experience in maintenance, cleaning, and facilities management, our team ensures that every corner of our school is in top condition.
Midday Supervisor Team
Midday supervisors - Mrs Hancock, Mrs Cotter
The Midday Team at Brackenwood Junior School is a dedicated and caring group of individuals who ensure that our children have a safe, enjoyable, and positive experience during lunchtime. With a focus on student welfare and engagement, our team supervises dining areas, and playgrounds, fostering a nurturing environment where children can relax, socialise and play.
Their commitment to maintaining order, providing support, and encouraing healthy interactions makes them an invaluable part of our school community.
Their commitment to maintaining order, providing support, and encouraing healthy interactions makes them an invaluable part of our school community.