Saddleworth School has confirmed the appointment of a new headteacher, with Sheldon Logue set to take up the post from September 2026. The announcement was made by the Cranmer Education Trust and the school’s Interim Executive Board.

Mr Logue currently serves as headteacher at St Damian’s RC Science College in Ashton-under-Lyne, where he has led a remarkable turnaround. Under his leadership, the school progressed from being placed in special measures in 2010 to achieving consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings in 2017 and 2023. In 2025, the school also received a Pearson National Teaching Award, recognition of the quality of education and pastoral care provided.

His track record in school improvement extends beyond St Damian’s. Mr Logue also worked as Executive Headteacher at St Anne’s RC High School in Stockport, where he oversaw a swift improvement from an ‘Inadequate’ to a ‘Good’ rating within two years, demonstrating his ability to drive change in challenging contexts.

Saddleworth School, which serves communities across Saddleworth and the wider Oldham borough, is part of the Cranmer Education Trust. The trust’s values of ambition, excellence and community are central to its vision, and the appointment reflects a commitment to building on the school’s strengths. Mr Logue will be responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school from the start of the 2026/27 academic year.

In the interim, current leadership arrangements will remain in place. Mr Higgins and Mr Heyes continue in their roles as joint Executive Headteachers, providing oversight across the trust, while Mr Christian remains Interim Headteacher at Saddleworth School until Mr Logue officially takes up his position. To ensure a smooth handover, Mr Logue is expected to visit the school during the summer term to meet staff, leaders and governors ahead of a full transition in the autumn.

The Cranmer Education Trust said it was confident Mr Logue’s experience and leadership style would benefit pupils and staff alike. A trust spokesperson described him as “a proven leader with a strong track record of school improvement” and noted that his appointment would bring continuity and fresh energy to the school community.

The appointment marks a new chapter for Saddleworth School, which has seen changes at the helm in recent years. With a permanent headteacher now in place from 2026, the school can look forward to a period of stability and continued progress under Mr Logue’s guidance, building on the work of the current leadership team.