Head retires from UCO

DEBBIE BRIDGE, head of centre at University Campus Oldham, presents an award to Sarah Roberts, watched by other award winners and members of the Oldham Education Trust

THE head of University Campus Oldham (UCO) has retired as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Debbie Bridge helped to establish the campus and has been at its helm since it opened.

The former director of higher education at Grimsby Institute took up the same post at Oldham Business Management School in 2003 — UCO’s predecessor. She is considering her options after her last day on Friday.

She said: “I am immensely proud of the achievements by the team at UCO over the years since the dream of a university education in Oldham was realised. We have always maintained a high standard in recruitment and curriculum and I’m happy I leave UCO in a great place.”

University Campus Oldham (UCO) was launched in 2005 by “StarTrek” and “X-men” star Sir Patrick Stewart. High-profile Oldhamers who have received honorary awards include celebrity physicist Brian Cox, actresses Sarah Lancashire and Shobna Gulati.

Katherine Griffitths, director of learning at Oldham College, will become its interim principal in charge.