A FORMER Commonwealth Games wrestler has been appointed as the new head teacher of Pleckgate High School, in Blackburn.

Mark Cocker, 33, who is believed to be one of the youngest heads in the county, represented England in Manchester in 2002 and placed fifth in Delhi in 2010.

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The dad-of-two said that Pleckgate was a “sleeping giant” and vowed to deliver an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating during his time as headteacher.

The school is currently graded as ‘requires improvement’ and is set to convert to academy status in January when Mr Cocker takes up his new position.

He said: “The school has improved a lot over the last 12 to 18 months.

“I was impressed by the vision of the school that was presented to me.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and not something that I could turn down.

“I’m not surprised to have got to this stage as I have never rested on my laurels at any stage.”

The former Hollins Technology College humanities teacher is deputy headteacher at Sale High School.

He said: “I will miss Sale High School a lot because it was a great place to work, but at the same time I’m really looking forward to starting work here.”

As well as attending the Commonwealth Games, he has also represented Team GB at European and world wrestling championships, and competed at numerous national events.

After juggling top-level sport with teaching for 13 years, Mr Cocker has said that now his “full focus” is on improving Pleckgate.

He added: “I have found that being involved in sport has helped my career because it has taught me to keep on trying and be determined.

“The discipline has also helped and I’m now looking forward to this new challenge.”

Acting head teacher Mark Bradshaw is to stay on at the school as deputy head teacher.

Mr Bradshaw has led the school since the resignation of Cherry Ridgeway after Pleckgate was heavily criticised by Ofsted.

The Education Partnership Trust, which is based in Blackburn, is due to take over the running of the school from Blackburn with Darwen Council in the new year.

Chairman of governors Ian Kendrick said: “A new head teacher has been appointed to Pleckgate from a strong field of applicants involved in a very competitive recruitment process.

“We are delighted and looking forward to working with Mark to continue the strong progress being made by the school, which was reflected in the terrific results this summer.”