OLDHAM'S new secondary school has appointed its first Principal as work continues to prepare for its opening next year.

Oasis Academy Leesbrook, part of multi-academy trust Oasis Community Learning, has appointed Sarah Livesey as the school's first principal.

Mrs Livesey will join Oasis next month from Middleton Technology School. She has an impressive track record, having led in a number of outstanding schools during her career in teaching.

Mrs Livesey said: “When I heard that plans for a new secondary school in Oldham had been approved, I knew it was an important initiative that I wanted to be involved in.

“There is of course much to be done between now and the opening of the Academy. I will be working with Oasis, Oldham Council, the Department for Education and others to ensure that the Academy is outstanding from the start.

“We are so excited about the opportunities ahead of us to create a brilliant educational environment for Oldham’s young people. We will create an exceptional Academy which our local community so richly deserves.”

Oasis Academy Leesbrook will open for Year 7 students from September 2018. Initially students will learn at the newly established Oasis Academy Oldham’s Middleton Road campus, the former site of the Greater Manchester University Technical College, before moving to a brand new state of the art facility, expected to be just off Lees Road, in 2020.

Mrs Livesey added: “Opening a new school provides us with the chance to set the highest of standards from day one.

"Not only can we utilise best practice from Oasis Community Learning’s other academies, both in Oldham and across the country, we can also listen to our diverse and aspirational community to develop an offer that really meets their needs.”

As part of the vision for the school, Mrs Livesey wants the school will work closely with local businesses and employers.

She said: “Throughout my interview I stressed how important it was for this school to be an integral part of the community. Not only should our facilities be open for everyone to use, but our students should become the employees and business leaders of the future that will drive a successful local economy.”

Commenting on the appointment, John Murphy, CEO of Oasis Community Learning, said: “Oasis is thrilled to be opening Oasis Academy Leesbrook, a brand new local community-focused secondary school for the young people of Oldham.

"We take our responsibility to deliver exceptional education very seriously, and for that reason we are very pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Sarah Livesey as the Academy’s Principal.

“Sarah has a track record of developing ‘Outstanding’ schools in which students make great progress, regardless of their background or starting point. At interview, it was clear that she shares our ambitions and vision for the school, and has a passion for excellence. We are delighted that she will be leading the new Academy.”