Technical college principal resigns

Chris Hill.

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THE principal at Oldham’s technical college has resigned less than a year after its opening.

Chris Hill quit as principal and chief executive of the Greater Manchester Sustainable Engineering University Technical College for personal reasons. Known as the GM, the £9 million building opened at Oldham College in September, 2014.

Ms Hill was head of the former South Chadderton School before becoming a senior education officer with Oldham Council in 2009. She took up the college principal post in February last year, seven months before it opened .

Lee Kilgour, currently principal at the first UTC in the country, Aston University Engineering Academy, will take up his new role in September. He will leave his five-year post at Aston at the end of August.

In the meantime, the post will be filled temporarily by retired head teacher John Ferguson.

He was previously head teacher at Irlam and Cadishead College but retired last year.

Michael Dwan, chairman of governors at the GM, said: “We have had an extraordinary start to our school year. The planning, organisation and leadership has been inspiring for our students and this has all been due to the passion and hard work of Chris Hill.

“Though we are very sad to see her depart and wish her all the best for her future, we are looking forward to working with Lee and building on he outstanding success that Chris had developed.”

Mr Kilgour was chosen for his reputation at the Birmingham college, which was rated good in all categories in its Ofsted report of June, 2014.

Mr Kilgour said: “I am delighted and honoured to take up the post of executive principal of the GM and I can’t wait to get started.

“I am looking forward to meeting with students, parents and the local community over the coming weeks and months and seeing how we can work together to build on the fantastic work Chris Hill has done during her time as the principal at the GM.”

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