Mayor honours five retiring headteachers for decades of dedication to Oldham’s children

Five inspirational headteachers who have dedicated decades of their lives to educating and supporting Oldham’s children have been honoured by the new Mayor of Oldham at a special civic reception.

The event, held in the Mayor’s Parlour, celebrated the outstanding careers and achievements of Angela Knowles, Helen Rowland, Hilary Henderson, Linda McCombe and Sarah Healey. 

In her first reception at the JR Clynes Building, the new Mayor Cllr Pam Byrne paid tribute to the group for their unwavering commitment to pupils, staff and communities across the borough, recognising the lasting impact each has made through their leadership. 

Angela (pictured below) retires after an exceptional 30-year career in headship, including 21 years leading St Thomas CE Primary School in Werneth. 

During her time at the school, Angela successfully guided St Thomas through periods of significant change and growth, including staffing transitions, building developments, school expansion and its successful journey to becoming an academy.  

She also led the school through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, always putting children, families, and staff at the centre of decision-making. 

Speaking about Angela’s contribution, colleagues said: “Angela's impact reaches far beyond the school gates, and while her achievements will continue to inspire others, it is her kindness, dedication and steadfast belief in every child that will be remembered most. 

"She leaves behind a school, a community and a profession that are all stronger because of her.  

"She will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives she has touched." 

Helen, the Chief Executive Officer of Focus-Trust (pictured above) retires after a remarkable career in education spanning more than three decades. 

Beginning her teaching career in 1990 at Werneth Infant School, Helen later joined Coppice Primary School and played a key role in the team that opened the new school.  

Her leadership journey took her to Stoneleigh Primary School, where she served as Deputy Headteacher and later Acting Headteacher before moving into senior leadership roles. 

Under Helen’s leadership, Focus-Trust has grown into a thriving multi-academy trust supporting 15 schools across seven local authority areas, including Coppice, Lyndhurst, Freehold and Roundthorn in Oldham. 

Last month the trust was named MAT of the Year (Medium) at the MAT Excellence Awards. 

Hilary Henderson (pictured above) is retiring after 41 years in teaching and nine years as Headteacher of St Paul’s CE Primary School. 

Throughout her career, Hilary has been recognised for her passion, creativity and commitment to pupil wellbeing. Her many achievements include leading a televised Platinum Jubilee celebration in 2022, taking the school choir to perform in London, raising money for children's mental health charity Place2Be by running 31 miles in 31 days, and writing and producing a socially distanced pantomime for pupils during the pandemic. 

She also achieved a diploma in trauma-informed practice, helping St Paul’s become a Trauma Informed UK school, and in September 2025 became Executive Headteacher of both St Paul’s and St Anne’s CE Primary Schools. 

St Paul's longest-serving governor Rachel Krigers said: “Hilary has made an extraordinary and lasting impact on the entire school community. Throughout her leadership, she has always placed the children and staff at the heart of every decision, with a particular focus on their mental health and wellbeing.” 

Linda McCombe (pictured above) joined St Theresa’s RC Primary School in 2017 and quickly progressed from class teacher to Deputy Headteacher and then Headteacher. 

During her leadership, the school has developed and flourished, with a strong focus on ensuring every child feels safe, welcomed, and valued in a nurturing and inclusive environment. 

Linda’s leadership has also strengthened relationships across the wider school community, with staff benefitting from clear direction, encouragement and support, while parents have been reassured by her commitment to high standards, open communication and care for every child.  

A tribute shared at the reception said: “Linda’s service to the school has had a lasting and positive difference, and her dedication to the children through her leadership will be remembered with appreciation.” 

Sarah Healey (pictured above) retires after 27 years at Buckstones Primary School.

Having previously worked at Parish Church C of E Junior School and Clarksfield Primary School, Sarah joined Buckstones in 1999 as Deputy Headteacher and Year 1 class teacher before becoming Headteacher in 2002. 

Known for her hands-on approach, compassion and calm leadership, Sarah has earned the admiration of generations of pupils, families, and colleagues. 

Alison Nelson, a colleague at Buckstones, said: "Sarah’s door is always open. As we know, no two days are ever the same. She never knows what situation is about to present itself – yet she meets each challenge with calmness, compassion and support. 

"Whether dealing with the unexpected, a child, families or a member of staff. No task is beneath Sarah. She is hands on and leads by example. Without hesitation, she is needed.  

"She’s saved me many times with a mop and bucket- say no more! Enjoy your well-deserved retirement." 

The reception gave the mayor an opportunity to personally thank the five retirees for their extraordinary service and their contribution to improving the lives of young people across Oldham. 

She said: "It was a real privilege to welcome Angela, Helen, Hilary, Linda and Sarah to the Mayor’s Parlour and recognise their outstanding contribution to education in Oldham. 

"Their leadership, dedication and commitment have made a lasting difference to thousands of pupils, families and colleagues across our borough and beyond. 

"Whether leading schools through periods of change, supporting children during the pandemic, championing wellbeing or helping schools to thrive, each of them has left a remarkable legacy. 

"On behalf of the people of Oldham, I would like to thank them for their many years of service and wish them all the very best for a happy, healthy and well-deserved retirement. 

"Their dedication, leadership and commitment to education have left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit schools, pupils and communities for years to come."