Alun’s new class of 10,000 students!

£266m schools overhaul chief to be new college principal


THE man heading the borough’s £266 million secondary schools’ overhaul has been appointed as the new principal of Oldham College.

Alun Francis is expected to take over from Kath Thomas on February 1.

The 44-year-old father joined Oldham Council in August, 2007, and is programme director of transforming learning.

His role includes overseeing Oldham’s ambitious Building Schools for the Future programme to provide a new or substantially refurbished secondary for every Oldham pupil.

The proposals include replacing five schools with three academies — one of which will be run by the college.

Mr Francis, who is currently on holiday, previously managed Stockport Council’s young people’s services. He has also been involved with the young people’s guidance service Greater Manchester Connexions, and in a number of regeneration projects.

He said: “I am elated to have been offered the role as the principal and chief executive of Oldham College.

“I am dedicated to transforming education and the opportunities for people in Oldham, and look forward to working closely with all of the college staff and students in building on this outstanding educational provider.”

The Rochdale Road college has just under 10,000 students and swept the board with outstanding grades in an Ofsted inspection last year — making it one of the best in the country.

But its £80 million campus redevelopment plans fell through in June with the collapse of the Government’s multi-billion pound college rebuilding scheme.

Ms Thomas announced her retirement a fortnight later, stressing that it was not connected with the news.

She was appointed principal in 2004 and said: “I am delighted that Alun will take over.

“We have worked very closely with the existing developments around the Waterhead Academy. I have grown to respect his enthusiasm and commitment to delivering the best education opportunities for all.

“I am convinced that he will give the outstanding leadership that is necessary for the college to play its full part in the future of Oldham”.

Leading further education figure Sir George Sweeney was an independent consultant in the selection process.

Councillor Kay Knox, Oldham’s cabinet member for education, is pleased that Mr Francis will remain in Oldham and added: “He is still going to be a large part of transforming learning in the borough.”