THE Headteacher and staff at St. Mary’s School in Menston have been selected for top roles supporting schools in challenging circumstances and training new teachers.

Darren Beardsley has been appointed to the role of National Leader of Education in the latest recruitment round.

National Leaders of Education, along with their school staff – appointed as National Support Schools – use their knowledge and experience to provide additional leadership capability in other schools that need support.

The school was judged "outstanding" in its last Ofsted inspection.

Mr Beardsley said: “The appointment of National Leaders of Education and National Support Schools takes into account the performance of all aspects of the school and is therefore recognition for the whole school community. We already have experience of supporting other schools and we have found this to be beneficial for St. Mary's, as well as the schools that we support.

"This accreditation builds on another set of strong examination results at St. Mary's this summer and provides opportunities for further success in the future.”

Roger Pope, Chair of the National College for Teaching and Leadership said: "I would like to congratulate Mr Beardsley and St. Mary’s School on being appointed as a national leader of education and National Support School. They should be very proud of this achievement."