£100k-plus wages for academy head

THE head of the academy which will replace Counthill and Breeze Hill schools will be paid a minimum of £100,000.

A six-figure salary has been advertised with the designate principal’s post which will start on September 1 — at least £15,760 more than the average secondary head’s pay in Oldham.

A local teaching union claims that the amount is excessive.

But Oldham College, which will sponsor the new school in Waterhead, insists it is in line with similar-sized academies.

It has also denied a rumour that it will be £130,000, saying that the figure will depend on the successful candidate’s experience.

The closing date for applications is Friday while principal posts at the two other academies planned for Oldham have also been advertised.

The head at the Edutrust-sponsored academy in Royton, which will replace Grange School, will receive up to £100,000. The closing date for applications is today.

The salary for the head of the Hollinwood academy which will replace Kaskenmoor and South Chadderton schools has not been disclosed, with applications closing on February 24.

This academy will be sponsored by Oasis Community Learning which says that the successful candidate must demonstrate their commitment to its ethos which is inspired by the “life, message and example of Christ”.

However, founder Steve Chalke said the principal did not have to be a Christian and explained: “It means that applicants have to be happy with the ethos of the organisation.”

The academies are part of Oldham’s £230 million Building Schools for the Future plans to transform its crumbling high schools. They will open in the current schools in 2010 before moving into new buildings in 2012/13.

The average secondary head’s pay in Oldham is £84,240 and Bryan Beckingham, secretary of Oldham National Union of Teachers, said that a six figure salary was very excessive, and at least three or four times the pay of his members.

However Oldham College principal Kath Thomas, said: “The college requires an exceptional and highly experienced candidate to fulfil this role and are offering a salary to reflect this.”