Senior Leadership Team

Mayfield School is run by a Leadership Team, this is made up of Headteacher, Deputy Head and two Assistant Headteachers.

Senior Leadership Team

Sophie McCabe

Head Teacher

Sophie trained in Cumbria and then went on to teach in Sheffield before returning to Cumbria. Sophie is a leader with significant experience having held numerous senior posts across both the primary and secondary sectors and led a number of schools as Executive Headteacher. Sophie’s wide experience in teaching across the primary sector, secondary sector and within specialist provision has strengthened her commitment to high quality ‘community education’. She believes passionately that every young person should experience an outstanding education throughout their entire school career, where strong relationship for achievement are the norm and where each child’s successes are recognised and celebrated. Sophie also worked for the Local Authority as a SEND Manager supporting all schools in Carlisle and Eden. In her spare time, Sophie loves to spend quality time with her family and enjoys long walks with her dog. Sophie is delighted to be Headteacher of Mayfield it is an honour and a privilege.

Carolyn Westnedge

Deputy Head

Carolyn has worked at Mayfield School for 18 years. She originally qualified as a nursery nurse in 2000 and completed her first year at Westfield Infant school she also had lead roles in SEN Playschemes for Social Services. In 2001, she began work at Mayfield School and has had many roles in the school including STA, HLTA and then qualifying as a teacher in 2012. In 2013, Carolyn was awarded the ‘Golden Apple Award’ for ‘Outstanding New Teacher’ - a huge achievement which she is immensely proud. Carolyn has had the privilege of teaching across all stages of the Lakes Department and KS3, developing skills in all areas before taking on her most challenging role as EYFS lead- a challenge she embraced and loved developing, eventually being rewarded with an outstanding grade from OFSTED. In 2018, Carolyn was successful in securing the post of Assistant Head Teacher of Lakes Department (EYFS & Primary), a role which she thoroughly enjoys. Carolyn’s other passions are developing communication for non- verbal students through a variety of high and low tech communication aids and watching how these students develop and progress. She also has a huge love of theatre and everything it entails; Carolyn is involved in most of our productions and now we have the new school theatre, sound and lighting system, the sky is the limit!

Rhyannan Porter

Assistant Head

Rhyannan completed her BA (Hons) in Early Years Education with QTS in 2017 and gained experience across Early Years to Key Stage 2 before joining Mayfield School. After several years teaching in Key Stage 1, she was appointed Assistant Head Teacher. While this role initially focused on leading Early Years and Key Stage 1, it has since evolved, and she now leads on Teaching and Learning across the school. Rhyannan is deeply committed to ensuring every pupil receives the highest‑quality education through ambitious, inclusive practice. Her work is grounded in evidence‑based approaches, intending to strengthen teaching and learning for all pupils. A firm advocate for the power of learning through play, Rhyannan was invited by Early Excellence to appear on their national podcast to discuss the role of continuous provision in specialist settings. Rhyannan plays an active role in supporting professional development beyond her own school. As a facilitator for the Early Career Framework, she supports early career teachers across the county to develop their knowledge, confidence, and high‑quality practice in specialist settings.

Chris Tweddle

Assistant Head

Chris began his journey in education after earning a BA (Hons) in Business Management, followed by a PGCE in Primary Education in Cumbria. Since then, he has built a rich and varied career across West Cumbria, serving as a class teacher, Deputy Headteacher, and SENCo in multiple primary settings. In 2019, Chris joined Mayfield, where he has taught across a range of year groups, bringing energy, expertise, and a deep commitment to student success. His passion for mathematics also led him to work with the local authority as an Associate Maths Consultant, supporting schools and educators across the region. In 2025, Chris was appointed Acting Assistant Headteacher of the Sixth Form at our Cockermouth site—a role that reflects his dedication to helping students thrive. He says, “I love seeing students reach their potential and achieve things they didn’t know were possible.” Outside of school, Chris enjoys spending quality time with his family, walking his dog through the beautiful Cumbrian countryside, and keeping up with the many sports he follows.

Ellie Earle

SENDCO

Ellie joined Mayfield School in 2018 and has been privileged to work with pupils aged 4-19 with a wide range of complex learning needs. Throughout her career at the school, she has been passionate about ensuring every pupil is valued, understood and supported to achieve their very best. Alongside teaching, Ellie has been a MOVE co-ordinator and led the Pre-Formal department. She developed the school's Pre-Formal curriculum and worked closely with pupils with the most complex needs. She is particularly passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, and helping pupils develop the skills they need for life beyond school. Ellie strongly believes that positive relationships are at the heart of successful SEND provision. She enjoys working closely with families, staff and external professionals to ensure that pupils receive the right support and opportunities to thrive. As SENDCO, she is committed to ensuring that every pupil's voice is heard and that their individual strengths, interests and aspirations remain central to the decisions made about their education. Ellie feels incredibly proud to be part of the Mayfield School community and is committed to helping every pupil and family feel welcomed and supported to thrive throughout their journey with the school

Helen Condron

Associate Assistant Head - Professional Development

Helen graduated from the University of Cumbria with a BA (Hons) in Secondary Physical Education Teaching. She began her career at Mayfield School as a Teaching Assistant and, over the past 13 years, has held a variety of roles including Class Teacher, Reading Lead and Formal Pathway Lead. Helen is passionate about creating an inclusive environment where every pupil is supported to reach their full potential. She is particularly committed to developing reading across the school, believing that literacy provides pupils with essential skills for life and opens doors to greater independence and opportunity. A strong advocate for professional development, Helen enjoys supporting colleagues to achieve their individual goals while contributing to the success of the whole school community. She believes that investing in staff development has a meaningful impact on outcomes for pupils. Having grown up with strong family connections to Mayfield, she has seen first-hand the positive impact the school has on pupils and their families. Helen is proud to be part of the Mayfield community and is committed to supporting pupils throughout their journey in school