Mr Thompson gained a B/Ed (Hons) degree in Business Education at MMU and also holds the NPQH qualification. He started his career teaching adult education at Hyde Clarendon 6th form before securing a full time role teaching A level Business Studies. Mr Thompson moved into secondary education in 2004 leading the Business and ICT department for 2 years at Hyde High School before progressing onto senior leadership as assistant headteacher responsible for the school’s specialism in vocational education. Mr Thompson has previously been a member of the Tameside 14-19 strategy group which involved the implementation of specialist diplomas across the authority. Since then Mr Thompson has been the senior leader for curriculum and Post 16 education and most recently personal development which incorporates PSHE and careers education.