North Lakes School headteacher Mike Pincombe retires this summer after more than 14 years of service there and 36 years working in education.
Mr Pincombe has had a varied career, which started in Liverpool. While a deputy headteacher teacher in the city he saw an advertisement for Lowther School and moved north with his wife Anne-Marie in 2000. His Cumbrian career had begun.
Joining North Lakes in January 2009, he had to hit the ground running. Mr Pincombe said goodbye to children, staff and governors at Lowther at Christmas 2008 and began his new role at North Lakes School two weeks later.
Mr Pincombe has been dedicated to meeting the needs of all his pupils at North Lakes and has set a consistent, calm example. He knows each and every one of the children.
Hard working and reflective, Mr Pincombe has driven the school curriculum, is proactive with regard to the core subjects and continually reflects over raising standards within school.
He acknowledges the progress that all children make and celebrates their personal successes. He drives success with reminders of the 5Rs — resilience, resourcefulness, reflectiveness, risk taking and relationships; and the Secrets to Success.
Mr Pincombe believes that every child has an area of strength and has driven the wider curriculum — arts, sport and the outdoor environment. In 2012 he secured a grant from Creative Partnerships which meant the children could work with a variety of artists in residence in different environments and locations across the Lake District. He has continued to re-write the curriculum, with subject leaders to make it relevant.
In 2016, North Lakes School was one of three primary schools who represented the country at the Somme Centenary Event. The service was televised throughout the world. Some 28 years 5 and 6 children were chosen to represent the school and spent four days in France, twinning with a local school. The service was attended by presidents, prime ministers and royalty, and North Lakes School was at the heart of it.
Mr Pincombe and staff took wreaths to the graves of the Lonsdale Pals. He ensured the children understood the significance of their visit and their participation in the historical ceremony.
Residential visits have been phenomenal. Year 6 have been to Liverpool three times and London twice. Mr Pincombe has encouraged children to experience their environment at first hand with camping and youth hostel stays. The children have participated in a range of activities, including camping, ghyll scrambling, canoeing and mountain walking.
A memorable residential was an active Titanic-themed stay at Hawse End in 2012 to commemorate the sinking of the Titanic 100 years earlier, which was a huge success. He has ensured the children can engage in sport activities at lunchtimes, maximising opportunities to be physically active. He has supported school competitions and increased participation so more children can enjoy the experience. It has been the icing on the cake to win so many competitions in recent years, while good sporting behaviour has been prized above all else.
“As a headteacher the children know that Mr Pincombe is fair. He is always kind and respectful to them. He is inclusive and is always striving to meet the needs of all the children. Mr Pincombe has invested in the emotional curriculum with active support for Thrive and counselling,” said a school spokesman.
Mental health and wellbeing has been at the top of his agenda. He recognised the challenges of the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 to children and their families. His sense of humour brought Tony Cappuccino into our homes,” said the spokesman.
“Considerate of all the staff, he has been encouraging as they have driven their areas and subjects. With his support the school has gained a Platinum Singing Award, Gold and Silver Philosophy for Children, the Use of Technology, 2 Arts Mark Golds and 2 Inclusion Mark Awards.”
He has been supportive and welcoming of Mrs Spibey, the new Headteacher of North Lakes from September, 2023.
Mr Pincombe said: “It has been a privilege to work at North Lakes School and to enjoy the company of such lively, enthusiastic and spirited children. I have been really conscious of the support of parents, carers and families over the years and this means such a lot to the school team — thank you.
“It has been great to be part of such a committed, talented and dedicated team who work hard together to support and challenge the children to be the best they can be.”
