Principal's Message

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to  Hathershaw College, part of the Pinnacle Learning Trust.

I am proud of my long standing association with the College and to lead a school in my home town. This is a good school with a group of very talented teachers and staff who set high standards and expectations for children. 

I believe strongly in a good comprehensive education.  I went to comprehensive school in the town and my own children have been educated at their local school, North Chadderton.  

We are an inclusive school and celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of everyone within the College. We care about our young people, with our first priority always being to make sure they are happy and safe so that they are able to learn. 

Our academic standards continue to improve each year and the curriculum we have designed ensures that children are both engaged and able to succeed in an ever-changing world.  As well as having a strong core curriculum of English, Maths and Science, we recognise the importance of all subjects, having invested heavily in the Arts, particularly Music, and deliver the Andrew Lloyd Webber programme in partnership with the Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST).  We place a great deal of emphasis on student’s personal development and value the part that religious education can play in this, with students in both key stages accessing this as part of their curriculum. In addition, we have an extensive package of extra-curricular activities to help enrich children’s academic and social experiences, taking learning beyond the classroom. 

We value the opportunities of being part of the Pinnacle Learning Trust, including our very strong links with Oldham Sixth Form College, where the vast majority of our students go on to attend.  We want our students to aspire to go on to college, university or access apprenticeships to help them secure the best possible opportunities for their future. 

We might not have the best school building in Oldham, but remember it is what goes on within a building that is most important! 

If you require further information or would like to visit the College, please feel free to contact me personally. 

Mark Giles

Principal