New Principal - Sept 08
Mr. Peter Mulholland
After completing A Levels in French, German and History, I studied Modern History at Wadham College, Oxford University from 1983 to 1986. It was while I was at university I decided that I wanted to work with young people and have a job connected with History. So teaching was the ideal choice for me. I had admired many teachers at school, especially those who enjoyed teaching their subject and had a good relationship with students. Teaching can be a very challenging job, but also enormously rewarding and I have never regretted my decision!.
I had always wanted to live in Manchester, so I did my PGCE at Didsbury School of Education (now part of MMU) and have lived in the Manchester region ever since. My first teaching job was at Great Sankey High school in Warrington which is a large 11-18 Comprehensive school. I became Head of History and I thoroughly enjoyed my 11 years teaching there. My next move was to Urmston Grammar School (closer to my home in Stockport) where I was appointed Head of Humanities and became a member of the Senior Management Team. My three children were born while I was at Urmston so it was a very busy time, especially as Amy was only 17 months old when Ben and Sally (twins) were born! When my children started school, I moved to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School as Deputy Headteacher. My main roles have been as Head of VI Form (650 A Level students) and Head of the Language College as well as working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team in the running of the school. Then, in November 2007 I was delighted to accept the job as Principal of WHGS.
Having lived in the Manchester region for over 20 years I had heard of WHGS long before I applied for the job as Principal. It has a superb reputation and fascinating history, and it also has a very exciting future ahead of it as a 3 -18 Academy. I have been very impressed with everyone that I have met so far and I am looking forward to working with all the staff, students, parents and governors. Everyone clearly works very hard to make the school a great success and the extra-curricular activities available for students are particularly impressive. The new building plans are very exciting and the facilities are going to provide many new opportunities for everyone involved in the school.
When I join WHGS as Principal in September, I want to build on the school's excellent work so far and develop the potential of everyone who works in the school. I think it is important that all students are properly prepared to meet the challenges of an ever changing world and WHGS provides a perfect setting for this to happen. I want it to continue to be a school that students, teachers, parents, governors and the local community can be proud of.
