Meet the Governors - Pen Portraits

Sacha Schofield

Sacha has worked as a Headteacher and Executive Headteacher in Sheffield and has a successful record of school improvement, securing Outstanding judgements at two of her previous schools. She was awarded NLE status in 2017 and has represented Sheffield Special School Headteacher’s at the Sheffield Inclusion Board, Sheffield School’s Forum and the Sheffield Speech and Language Steering Group. Sacha is passionate about enabling children to succeed, flourish as individuals and make positive contributions to their community. She hopes to work collaboratively with staff, families and children to support Pennine View on its journey.

Carol Lawrie

My name is Carol I am a parent governor I have one child at Pennine View. I have worked, fostered and have children with varying learning disabilities. However, I am passionate about education and believe all children and young adults have a right to expect a high quality of education regardless of their disability. As a governor I feel that I can represent parents as I understand how difficult and at times challenging it is to have a child with complex needs.

Chris Rowe

I was a teacher for 38 years working in a number of large Comprehensive Schools teaching Ceramics. I was Head of Department for many years before leaving Mainstream Education and moving to Special Education. I have experience of working with young people with Severe Learning Difficulties and Autism. I have recently retired and I am very pleased to be a part of Pennine View School.

Catherine McLaughlin

I have been involved with Pennine View School since December 2021.I am a recently-retired primary headteacher. Over my career of thirty-seven years I have worked in schools in London and South Yorkshire. Throughout this time, I always took a particular interest in children with specific needs. Thus, working alongside staff at Pennine View is similar to what I did in my working-life, yet there is also much for me to learn. I feel I have opinions and experience to share with staff and other members of the School Council whilst I am also expanding my own knowledge –base, learning from the school-staff. Ultimately, we are working together to enhance the learning and life-chances of the pupils at Pennine View School.

Carl Cousins

Carl became Headteacher of Pennine View School in April 2024. Carl has worked in education for 20 years both in secondary and primary mainstream and as a Senior Leader in both settings. Carl moved to Pennine View as Deputy Headteacher in September 2021. Carl is proud and privileged to be Headteacher of Pennine View School and is excited to be working with all stakeholders to achieve the very best for our amazing young people.

Sam Symonds

My work experience is a varied one. I have a background in hospitality, managing venues. I have a background in Law where I did my legal training at university and worked as a solicitor for clinical negligence. I have worked for charities in Kenya helping local businesses thrive. I then did my teacher training and made the switch from a primary model to SEN and I love my role as a teacher. I am positive and enthusiastic, enjoy making a difference in young people's lives and working with students. I like to make learning interesting and enjoyable. I have a passion for embedding an informed approach to education.

Lindsay Thompson

Lindsay has worked within an SEN setting for more than 18 years, working with PMLD, SLD and MLD pupils within that time. Lindsay is a Teaching Assistant at Pennine View School, having worked at Pennine for several years. She currently works within one of our Year 11 classes.

Lindsay is respectful of others' views and opinions and will actively listen to all viewpoints and information that is given to her, as well as being able to articulate her thoughts and opinions on any given subject.

Lindsay will endeavour to be a good staff governor to represent support staff to the best of her ability.