Honoured headteacher shares skills

Pat Johnson

A former headteacher honoured by the Queen for her contribution to education is sharing her skills with schools throughout the Rochdale borough.

Pat Johnson, who received an OBE in the New Year honours list, is currently a part-time regional co-ordinator of the Expert Trail programme for promoting leadership skills with headteachers and senior leaders in schools.

She is also known to school staff across the borough and beyond through her promotion of good practice when her school had Beacon status for three years.

She retired from her full-time job as head of Hopwood Community Primary School, Heywood, in July 2006 after 16 years in charge.

Mrs Johnson said: “I moved to Hopwood from Bolton and I intended to stay only a short time but I was so happy that the two to three years became 16.

“It is a really great working environment across the board, from support from the authority to staff in the school, the governors, the families and the children.”

Speaking about her OBE, she added: "This came as a total surprise and I find it overwhelming.

"It really reflects the achievements of the whole community and everyone in Hopwood should be sharing this.

"It is a recognition of the teamwork at the school and within the LEA, which is very forward-looking and has given me wonderful opportunities over the years."

Sue Brown, Head of Schools for Rochdale Council, said: “Pat is a great asset to our schools and continues to be enthusiastic about improving education for local children.  Her honour is well-deserved.”