Tricky and slippy start for new head teacher

HEAD John Meagher . . . “The first time I walked into the building, I felt it was the right place for me”

THE FUTURE look bright for one of the borough’s newest head teachers, who faced a challenging start to his new job.

John Meagher took up his post as head teacher at Failsworth School the very week Oldham was plunged into deep snow and sub-zero temperatures.

Despite having to close the school for most of his first week, Mr Meagher (48) is looking forward to building on the school’s success.

He said: “My first week was tricky.

“I managed to have my first meeting with staff and first assemblies on the Monday but then we took the decision to close the school because of the weather.

“I wasn’t happy about it because it sends the wrong message out to children, but we had to consider the health and safety of the children and staff not being able to get in.

“It was the right decision to make and we were happy to open to all pupils and staff this week.”

Mr Meagher started his teaching career in Wythenshawe as a maths and PE teacher, before spending the past 19 years at Walkden High School, Salford, as head of maths and most recently as deputy head teacher since 2002.

The father-of-one, whose daughter is studying a degree in interior design and architecture, said he knew Failsworth was the right school for him when he first visited last October.

He said: “I live fairly locally and had heard about the good reputation of the school.

“The first time I walked into the building, I felt it was the right place for me. Since starting here, the youngsters have been fantastic and I’ve been made very welcome by everyone.

“We have fantastic staff, great facilities and I’m looking forward to building on the success of the school, which includes maintaining its good reputation, keeping exam results moving in the right direction, developing opportunities for the children, and having the school redesignated as a sports college in the near future.”