THE head teacher and staff at Scarcroft Primary School have been selected for a top role supporting schools in challenging circumstances.

Anna Cornhill is one of 137 head teachers from across the country to be appointed to the role of National Leader of Education (NLE).

NLEs, along with staff in their school - designated a National Support School - use their success and professionalism to provide additional leadership advise in other schools.

Mrs Cornhill said: “I am delighted with this news as it reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Scarcroft School. We work hard to provide the best educational experience that we can for our pupils and hope that our experiences will be effective in offering support to schools who are facing a range of challenging circumstances.”

The school’s chairman of governors Will Hayler said: “Over the last four years Anna has already supported four different schools within the City of York and helped them to face a range of challenges. Now she and her senior staff will have the opportunity to take their expertise further afield.

"The governors at Scarcroft have endorsed Anna’s participation in this programme because they are convinced that there are real benefits for the school as well as for her professional development. “

Charlie Taylor, Chief Executive of the National College for Teaching and Leadership, said: “It’s great that heads like Anna are willing to look beyond their own school gates to help more and more pupils achieve.

"We now have over 1,000 National Leaders of Education and their efforts are at the heart of a self-improving, school-led education system. School-to-school support is having a growing impact, with benefits for both the schools being supported and those providing the support.”

Successful heads will shortly be attending a formal induction event to support this important role in driving school improvement.