TWO headteachers are to use their skills and experience to support schools in challenging areas.

Elaine Watson from Scissett CE First and Debra Knowles from Shelley First Schools have joined a group of around 100 heads across the country to be appointed by the National College for School Leadership (NCSL) to the role of National Leader of Education (NLE).

The schools are now designated National Support Schools (NSS).

Both women will attend an induction event at the NCSL Learning and Conference Centre in Nottingham on Wednesday.

This will give them their first opportunity to network with each other and to discuss the role they will play in raising standards.

NLEs use their success and professionalism as school leaders, along with the staff in their school to provide additional leadership capacity in struggling schools. Support is flexible, ranging from coaching or consultancy and interim leadership roles to leadership of more than one school in a federated or executive headship.

Mrs Watson, said: “I am pleased that Scissett First School has been designated as a National Support School. It is a measure of everybody’s hard work and commitment.”

Toby Salt, Deputy Chief Executive of NCSL, said: “I am so proud for these outstanding school leaders. NLEs, supported by their schools, have a more important role to play than ever in ensuring that excellent school leadership and the best possible opportunities are available to as many children as possible.”