Former head is UTC principal

new UTC appointments Chris Ashe (left), director of curriculum, learning, and Chris Hill, principal and chief executive.

ONE of Oldham’s top education officers is leaving her post to lead a new type of school in the borough.

Chris Hill, associate assistant director for learning and attainment, has been appointed principal and chief executive of the Greater Manchester Sustainable Engineering University Technical College (UTC).

Known as the GM, the £9 million building opens at Oldham College next September, backed by Bolton University and businesses.

The GM will allow 14 to 19-year-olds to opt out of the traditional school route and instead study specialist courses in construction and sustainable engineering, alongside GCSEs and A-levels.

Ms Hill was head teacher of the former South Chadderton School before joining Oldham Council in 2009. She takes up her new post in February.

She said: “I am excited by this challenge and the opportunities for young people and for staff. The expectations for all of us to be the best we can be will be in every element of what we do.”

Chris Ashe has been appointed the GM’s director of curriculum, technical. He is currently director of the sustainable industries institute at Dundee College.

Oldham Council declined to comment on Ms Hill’s departure - or about the continuation of her £83,980 post.