THE Woodroffe School’s headteacher and staff have been selected for a top role supporting schools in challenging circumstances.

Headteacher Dr Richard Stew-ard is one of 100 headteachers to be appointed as a National Leader of Education (NLE) in the latest recruitment round.

NLEs use their success and professionalism as school leaders, along with the staff in their school – designated a National Support School – to provide additional leadership capability in struggling schools or those in transition to federation or academy status.

The support can involve NLEs becoming active or executive headteacher of the client schools.

Dr. Steward, said: “I am delighted that The Woodroffe School has been recognised as a National Support School. It is a real tribute to the quality of staff now working here and the range of expertise we have built up in recent years. “As an Ofsted outstanding school we see it as a key part of our continuing development.”

Many schools involved in the scheme see improvements in exam results.

Toby Salt, deputy chief executive of the National College, said: “It’s great that heads like Dr Steward are becoming NLEs, looking beyond their own school gates to help more and more pupils get the best start in life.”

Dr Steward will now have a formal induction and training for the role in driving school improvement.