Principal heads to neighbour academy

Colette Burgess: new role

PRINCIPAL Colette Burgess is leaving Oldham Academy North — to move three miles up the road to the top job at Waterhead Academy.

Ms Burgess will start at Waterhead in September, four years after joining Oldham Academy North as designate principal. She oversaw the creation of the academy, which replaced Grange School in September 2010, and moved to a new £16.8 million building in Royton last April.

E-ACT, the chain which runs Oldham Academy North, was stripped of 10 of its academies earlier this year over concerns about education standards.

The organisation was later condemned by education watchdog Ofsted for failing to give children a good education in 11 of its schools. Oldham Academy North wasn’t involved in either criticism.

Ms Burgess (47) said E-ACT’s troubles didn’t prompt her departure.

“Making the decision to move to a new school was very difficult. But I feel now is the time to take on new challenges,” she explained.

“I am extremely proud of what has been achieved at Oldham Academy North and will bring the same commitment to excellence to Waterhead.”

Waterhead Academy was judged as requiring improvement by Ofsted in January 2013. Two months later inspectors found effective action to improve was being taken.

Ms Burgess takes over from Nigel McQuoid who announced his departure in January.