A TRUST with 10 schools in Bradford and Keighley has appointed a new CEO and headteacher.

Beckfoot Trust has announced Shirley Watson as its new Chief Executive this month, after founder, David Horn, retired.

Ms Watson has served the community of Bradford for 27 years and is described as an "exceptionally experienced and highly regarded educational leader".

She is said to be passionate about challenging educational and social inequality and believes this is a core purpose of multi-academy trusts.

Beckfoot Trust has also welcomed Michelle Blanchard (previously Long) as the new headteacher of Beckfoot Allerton Primary School & Nursery.

Ms Watson said: "‘I am immensely proud to be leading such a diverse family of 10 schools that serves the local area and is so aligned to its mission of creating remarkable schools where no child is left behind.

"I am delighted to welcome Michelle Blanchard to our Trust and as Headteacher of Beckfoot Allerton School.

"Michelle is an incredibly experienced leader who has dedicated much of her career to the Bradford district, she is most well known as the founding Principal of the Outstanding Dixons Music Primary.

"She has a reputation as a leader with high expectations and a belief that only the best will do.

"We will undoubtedly benefit from her knowledge, experience and tremendous humility and humanity."

There are seven schools based in Bradford under the Beckfoot Trust banner and three in Keighley.