A fresh crop of recruits have graduated from the National College of School Leadership - the new head teachers' academy.

More than 150 teachers from the Yorkshire region were today praised for their commitment after earning the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

Local graduates include John MacDonald (Wellington Primary); Juliet Wright (St Andrew's, Keighley); Rosemary Morgan (Netherlands Avenue School); Gareth Chapman (Greenhead High); Pauline Lawson (Bramhope Primary); and Richard Hoban (Benton Park).

They join another 105 teachers from our region who won the qualification in March.

Heather Du Quesnay, director of the NCSL, said: "Good leadership in schools is key to raising standards and ensuring pupils are getting the high quality education they deserve.

"We are delighted more and more teachers are gaining this qualification and I want to congratulate all graduates for the time and effort they have put into preparing for the crucial role of head teacher."