PAUL HODGKINSON

Paul started working at Youth Challenge Pupil Referral Unit in 1997 and held numerous positions there. He started as a voluntary mentor before becoming a class teacher and eventually the Teacher in Charge in 2003. During his time as Teacher in Charge, Youth Challenge was twice judged to be Outstanding by Ofsted. Paul became the Manager of the Bolton Pupil Referral Service in 2010 and supervised the federation of all of Bolton’s PRUs. In 2014 he also become the Interim Executive Headteacher of Lever Park School where he worked with the staff team on a Rapid Improvement Plan which eventually resulted in the School being moved out of Special Measure. In 2016 he became the new Executive Principal of the Bolton Impact Trust. In total, Paul’s Schools and Academies have been judged Outstanding by Ofsted on eight separate occasions.

Paul has advised the DfE, Local Authorities and Schools on Leadership, Behaviour Management Strategy, Alternative Provision and Special School funding and Governance. He also recently co-chaired the Foundation for Education Development’s AP/SEND Council. Paul currently sits on three School Trust Boards and is also the Chair of Trustees for a local charity which supports young adults with Special Educational Needs.