Deputy takes over college reins

TOP job . . . new Oldham Sixth Form College principal Jayne Clarke

OLDHAM Sixth Form College has appointed one of the country’s youngest principals.

But Jayne Clarke won’t have far to go — she is currently its number two.

The 39-year-old will replace Nick Brown who has been at the helm since the nationally-recognised college opened in 1992.

And the married mother-of-two is the same age as her predecessor was when he took up the top job.

Jayne, who lives in Holmfirth, studied at Kent University, Christ Church College in Canterbury and the Open University.

A former psychology teacher, she joined the sixth form college as a vice principal in 2002 before being promoted to deputy principal.

She has led the development of the college’s multi-million science centre which is set to open in next year and said: “I am really delighted to get this opportunity because it is just a fantastic place to work — I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.

“We face exciting times ahead in providing the very best for the young people in Oldham and the local area. The science centre will build on our tradition of excellence and I look forward to working with the outstanding staff, students and governors in ensuring the college goes from strength to strength.

“I have had the best apprenticeship possible for this post working with Nick and I will work with absolute commitment for the college and the town.”

Jayne takes over from Mr Brown on August 1 — but before that she is joining staff and students in the 5km Race for Life in Alexandra Park on July 18.

The event raises money for Cancer Research and she added: “We are trying to put together a team at the moment so I am attempting to get myself in better shape for that!

“I do go running a little bit and I have been trying to get out at home.”

The college has been rated as outstanding in its last four inspections.

Chairman of governors Gloria Oates described Jayne as a worthy successor to the “exceptional” Mr Brown and added: “To maintain its progress the college needed to appoint an outstanding candidate and that is what Jayne has demonstrated over the eight years she has served at the college.”

Mr Brown, a father-of-three, who was awarded the OBE for services to further education 2007, is leaving to fulfil a lifelong ambition to write a series of historical novels.