Todmorden High head will be moving on
A SOLID foundation exists for continuing good work, assured headteacher, who is on the move.
Patrick Ottley-O'Connor will leave Todmorden High School in September after three-and-a-half years in post. In that relatively short period of time the high school has been transformed under his stewardship but now he is ready for a new challenge at the Oasis Academy Media City UK, in Salford, which is partnered with the BBC.
"I'm proud of all the work that we have achieved as a team here in Todmorden," said Mr Ottley-O'Connor, who admitted he has an addiction for new challenges.
"I haven't fallen out of love with Todmorden but I'm looking forward to this new challenge. Not that I think all the work has been done in Todmorden but I do believe that the school is in a good position to move forward to becoming an outstanding school.
"When I came here Todmorden High was people's fifth choice school. I asked the people in Todmorden what they wanted from their school, and believe me, they told me. And now the community and parents have put their faith in the school; they've sent their children here and they've joined the board of governors.
"The school owes a great debt to the community for its support."
But it's not just the community that has got behind the school and Mr Ottley-O'Connor's distributive style of leadership, which has seen members of staff, students and the governors leading at all levels.
When he arrived the school had a budget deficit, which needed to be addressed through staff reductions.
"It's not been easy for the staff but they've stuck with me and the focus has remained on developing an outstanding quality of teaching and learning.
"I'm particularly proud of the way that students have taken on leadership roles in so many ways. And we have set agreements in place to make sure these things continue."
Hilary Myers, chairwoman of the governors, said it was disappointing that Mr Ottley-O'Connor was leaving but acknowledged his work. "He will leave a very competent senior leadership team in place. Mr Ottley-O'Connor has been an exceptionally good head and when he moves on it won't just be a loss to Todmorden but also to Calderdale but we have been very lucky to have him here. The school is in a lot better shape now."
Since his arrival results have improved year on year, with the number of students achieving A* to C grades at GCSE rising from 46 percent to 65 percent, and attendance and inclusion have also improved.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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