Lindens Primary School headteacher selected for top role

The headteacher of a Walsall school is celebrating after being selected for a top role offering support to schools in challenging situations.

Simon Griffiths of Lindens Primary School, in Streetly, is one of only 100 headteachers to be selected from across the country for the role of National Leader of Education (NLE).

The school support scheme is run by the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services and is being expanded.

NLEs use their success and professionalism as school leaders, along with the staff in their school, to provide additional leadership capacity in struggling schools or those transferring to federation or academy status.

Mr Griffiths said: "I am delighted that Lindens Primary has been designated a National Support School.

"This recognises the hard work and dedication of all the staff and governors at Lindens."

The number of NLEs is set to double from 500 to 1,000 by 2015 following a recent announcement by the Education Secretary Michael Gove.