GMCR Headteacher

Robert Cochrane

Robert brings more than two decades of leadership experience in education, having worked extensively in settings supporting pupils with high levels of need, often in areas of disadvantage. He holds a BA(Ed) and has dedicated much of his career to ensuring young people who have been disengaged from mainstream schooling receive the specialist support they deserve.

As Regional Headteacher for Greater Manchester with Apex Specialist Education, Robert oversees the delivery of high-quality teaching, pastoral care and site leadership across our centres. He ensures that The Apex Way — Support • Inspire • Flourish • Succeed — is embedded consistently, and that each young person benefits from relational, trauma-informed practice and meaningful outcomes.

In his role he drives continuous improvement, collaborates with local authorities and partner schools, and champions our mission to make a positive difference for the most vulnerable learners in the region. Robert is deeply committed to creating environments where pupils feel safe, valued and able to achieve success.