Five retiring headteachers have been honoured by the Mayor of Oldham at a special civic reception. Councillor Pam Byrne paid tribute to Angela Knowles, Helen Rowland, Hilary Henderson, Linda McCombe and Sarah Healey for their decades of service to education in the borough.

Angela Knowles retires after 30 years in headship, including 21 years leading St Thomas CE Primary School in Werneth. Helen Rowland retires as CEO of Focus-Trust after more than three decades in education; the trust was named MAT of the Year (Medium) last month. Hilary Henderson retires after 41 years in teaching and nine years as headteacher of St Paul's CE Primary School in Royton, where she achieved a diploma in trauma-informed practice and helped the school become a Trauma Informed UK school.

Linda McCombe served as headteacher of St Theresa's RC Primary School in Derker, focusing on a nurturing and inclusive environment. Sarah Healey retires after 27 years at Buckstones Primary School in Shaw, known for her hands-on and compassionate leadership.

The Mayor personally thanked the five retirees for their extraordinary service and contribution to young people across Oldham, and wished them a happy retirement.