THE new headteacher of Prestwich Community High School is Geoff Barlow.

The 52-year-old, who has lived and worked in the Manchester area for most of his career, replaces Margaret Booler who retired from the post in July.

Mr Barlow, who is married to Gillian, comes to Prestwich from Siddal Moor Sports College in Heywood where he was employed for 10 years as deputy head and acting head.

Prior to that he was head of faculty at Alder Hill Community School, so it is with valuable experience in both community schools and specialist status schools that he joins the Heys Road establishment.

Mr Barlow said: "I was attracted to the position at Prestwich Community High School because it was considering specialist school status and it has a reputation for good results. A community school is one which responds to the needs and wishes of the local community and serves the pupils and families of that community."

He said the bid for specialist status was a "natural extension" for Prestwich Community High and added he was delighted to be in the borough.