Christopher Pickup

Christopher Pickup, a once-respected headteacher at two primary schools in Oldham, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2022 following his conviction on 37 counts of sexual assault against 19 boys. The abuse, described by prosecutors as 'systematic and calculated', spanned a 12-year period from the 1970s to the 1980s, targeting boys aged between eight and 11.

At Minshull Street Crown Court, prosecutor Daniel Calder detailed how Pickup exploited his position of authority and admiration from colleagues and parents to perpetrate the offences 'in plain sight for years and years'. Pickup, who taught at the schools during this time, would invite boys to his desk during class, using the positioning to obstruct views while touching and fondling their genitals over clothing. Additional assaults occurred in his office and on school trips, breaching the trust placed in him as an educator.

Victim impact statements presented in court highlighted the profound and lasting harm caused by Pickup's actions. One victim expressed feeling 'numb' after the trial, noting that Pickup had never apologised. Another described experiencing 'complete despair', with the abuse severely impacting his relationships. The court heard that Pickup's respected status enabled the prolonged nature of the offences.

Three years after his conviction, in December 2025, the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) conducted a disciplinary hearing, where it was revealed that Pickup continued to maintain his innocence. Absent from the hearing and unrepresented, Pickup showed no evidence of insight or remorse, according to the tribunal panel. The panel characterised his crimes as a 'gross breach of trust that caused significant and long-term harm to pupils'.

Decision maker Sarah Buxcey issued an indefinite ban from teaching with immediate effect, as documented in papers published by the TRA. Pickup, residing at Underwood Way, Shaw, was found guilty by a jury, with Greater Manchester Police involved in the investigation.