THE headteacher of an Ilkley primary school has been selected for a top role supporting schools in challenging circumstances.

Mrs Alixena Lubomski, of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary, a Voluntary Academy is one of 70 headteachers to be appointed to the role of National Leader of Education (NLE) in the latest recruitment round.

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

NLEs are deployed to suit the needs of each school needing support, or to those in transition to federation or academy status. The type of support provided is flexible and can often involve NLEs becoming executive headteacher. They also have responsibility for bringing on the next generation of NLEs and National Support Schools.

Mrs Lubomski said: “ I am delighted that the generous and outward looking ethos of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School has been recognised through this National Support School designation. The school has a proven track record of providing an excellent standard of Catholic education and, as a staff, we are keen to share our excellent practice with colleagues in other schools in all areas of school improvement.”

Many NLEs/NSSs report improved exam results at the schools they support, as well as their own.

Charlie Taylor, chief executive of the National College for Teaching and Leadership, said: “It’s great that heads like Mrs Lubomski are willing to look beyond their own school gates to help more and more pupils achieve. We now have well 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 be invited to attend a formal induction and training event in October for the role in driving school improvement.