Top appointment made
This week, Chris Pattinson joins us as deputy headteacher. Originally from Wigton, he brings more than 15 years of experience in education and language teaching.
Mr Pattinson will work alongside Mr Henneberry and the senior leadership team to set the pace of change and ambitions for our rapidly improving school. In particular, Mr Pattinson will be leading on academic outcomes and behaviour across the whole school and will teach modern foreign languages to all years.
Mr Henneberry said: “Mr Pattinson joins us at a pivotal moment in our improvement journey. His appointment strengthens our capacity to deliver on our vision — a school built on high expectations, a culture of belonging, and ambitious outcomes for every student.”
Mr Pattinson previously held the position of assistant headteacher at Netherhall School in Maryport, where he was responsible for the Sixth Form, developing middle leadership and teaching languages. Before joining Netherhall, he headed the languages department at Ullswater Community College in Penrith. Under his leadership there was a significant rise in both student uptake and achievement in modern foreign languages.
Since 2018, Mr Pattinson has coordinated the PTI’s (Prince’s Teaching Institute) French programme, which provides professional development for teachers and school leaders. He gained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from Cumbria University, after securing a first-class BA (Hons) in French and Philosophy from University College London.
Looking forward to his new role with us, Mr Pattinson said:
“I’m thrilled to be joining Dallam School and looking forward to working with Mr Henneberry and his team. I am also delighted to be sharing my passion for languages with students. Learning a new language opens doors to different cultures, ideas, and opportunities, and I’m excited to help our students develop both the confidence and curiosity to explore the wider world. Dallam has a strong sense of community and ambition, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success.”
Outside of teaching, Mr Pattinson is a keen runner who enjoys getting out on Cumbria’s pavements, trails and fells.
