Head teacher steps down after a year at the helm

STEPPING down . . . Sarah Lockwood

THE head teacher of Oldham’s newest special school has announced her departure to spend more time with her young daughter.

The move comes less than a year after it opened with Sarah Lockwood (51) at the helm.

The head played a key role in the establishment of the £6.25 million Hollinwood Academy, which caters for pupils aged from four to 19 with autism or other significant communication and interaction difficulties.

She was appointed in January 2015, ahead of its opening last September, and will leave at the end of August.

In a letter to parents she said: “It has been a privilege to lead Hollinwood Academy during its opening year; the children, staff and families are second to none. I have found it impossible, however, to maintain a work/life balance which has allowed me to focus on my own family.

“Early starts and late finishes have meant I rarely see my little girl, Ava, during the working week.

“Ava has complex needs due to Down’s syndrome and autism, and I have increasingly felt I need to prioritise her care and support.”

Ms Lockwood worked at neighbouring New Bridge Special School since it opened in 2005, before becoming head at Hollinwood Academy in Roman Road. Both are part of the New Bridge Group.

Her post has now been advertised with a salary of £53,180 to £58,677. The closing date for applications is April 10.

New Bridge Group executive principal Graham Quinn said: “I have had the privilege to work alongside Sarah for 10 years. She has been instrumental in driving forward our ambitions at New Bridge.

“For the last 18 months she has been heavily involved in the development and subsequent opening of Hollinwood Academy. She has successfully created a centre of excellence by appointing an expert team of staff. I’m certain that the foundations she has laid will pay massive dividends for future generations of Oldham children.”