We are extremely proud to announce that our excellent Principal to lead UTC Portsmouth is Ciaran O'Dowda, a University of Portsmouth Engineering Geologist graduate with over 26 years of education leadership experience.
Speaking of his appointment, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the UTC Portsmouth Project Steering Group Professor Paul Hayes commented: "We are delighted to have appointed Ciaran as the founding Principal of UTC Portsmouth. Ciaran has a wealth of experience and brings a passion to the role that will ensure that UTC Portsmouth exceeds the expectations of students, parents and employers."
Ciaran O'Dowda, Principal of UTC Portsmouth said: "I'm really excited about taking on this role. Being Principal of UTC Portsmouth is a unique opportunity to make a difference to the education and future careers of the young people from the region."
After graduating, Ciaran began his career in the oil industry as a Geologist Engineering Consultant, where he instructed and taught new employees. After three years, a move to the Department of Transport and Environment saw him become an Engineering Geologist building bridges for two years.
One day, Ciaran helped his younger brother with his maths homework and was told he should be a teacher after his sibling finally understood the theory behind his mathematics homework. Ciaran decided to share his enthusiasm and passion for teaching and trained to become a teacher at Bath University. His first teaching role was at Brune Park Community School as a Physics teacher. Following this, Ciaran taught at Portsmouth City Girls School for nine years as a Science teacher.
Ciaran's first senior leadership role began at a school in Southampton where he was Deputy Head for seven years. He then ventured to Crofton School as a Deputy Head in 1997. Ciaran's most recent position has been Principal of Crofton School from 2012 where he led the strategy of teaching and learning. His overhaul of the learning climate led to Crofton School being recognised by the Minister of Education in the top 100 schools with most improved GCSE results (including English and maths) in England in 2013.
Ciaran continued: "My aim is to work with pupils and parents to make sure they get the best from our school. I want students to have the motivation and opportunities to exploit their knowledge, ability and talent. When they leave, I want them to have enjoyed their time at UTC Portsmouth and flourished and to go on to be successful in their chosen future path - whether that be further education, employment or into an apprenticeship."
Ciaran lives in Waterlooville with his family and enjoys fitness, running, partaking in DIY and travelling (he considers himself a volcano nerd).
Ciaran will join the UTC Portsmouth project team on a full-time basis in January 2017. There will be many opportunities to meet him at our open events over the coming months.