A FORMER headteacher has been appointed as chairman of directors of the trust overseeing the multi-million pound expansion of Altrincham Grammar School for Boys.

The Hamblin Education Trust has appointed Michael Thompson.

Michael has worked in the education field for forty years and has extensive and wide-ranging teaching and management experience in both the comprehensive and grammar school sectors.

Michael was head of St Ambrose College in Hale Barns for 15 years prior to retiring four years ago to work as an educational consultant.

During his time as Head of St Ambrose College, Michael successfully bid for £26 million investment for an innovative new school building and oversaw its design and development.

The trust was established in 2015 and provides strategic direction and support to North Cestrian School and Altrincham Grammar School for boys.

Michael said: “I will be seeking to explore new opportunities that will benefit and enhance the high quality of learning already on offer at both North Cestrian School and Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (AGSB).

“Having worked closely with the heads of both schools previously, this new appointment does feel like coming home. I am looking forward to continuing the development of strong partnerships between the two schools.”

The Trust has overseen the design and construction of the £7.8 million new North Cestrian School. The next phase for the trust will be overseeing the £2.8 million expansion of Altrincham Grammar School for Boys which will allow the school to increase the number of grammar school places available.

Sir Graham Brady MP for Altrincham and Sale West and Hamblin Education Trust Member, added: “I worked closely with Michael for many years when he was head of St Ambrose College and I saw his passionate commitment to education. I am delighted to welcome him as the new chairman and am confident that he will continue the outstanding work of our first chairman, Duncan Battman.”

Timothy Gartside, executive head of the Hamblin Education Trust, said: “We are delighted that Michael will be joining the trust. His extensive experience and knowledge will benefit the trust enormously."

Duncan, joined the grammar school's governing body in 2003 and served until 2016. He played an integral role in establishing Hamblin Education Trust in 2015 and helping move North Cestrian School to a free school.

Duncan said: “After four years as chairman of the trust I thought it time to pass on the reigns to new blood and am thrilled that Michael has agreed to take on the role.

“It has been an exciting, a challenging and an enjoyable tenure during which time I believe the trust has developed and established itself as a strong multi academy trust with potential to move forward with confidence.”