STRUGGLING schools are to be given a helping hand from a Huddersfield headteacher.
Mrs Bibi Laher, head at Spring Grove Junior, Infant and Nursery School, Springwood is one of only 60 heads in the country to be appointed by the National College for School Leadership into the prestigious role of National Leader of Education.
The Springwood school has also been designated a National Support School.
The scheme, will give Mrs Laher, who has been headteacher at Spring Grove for four years, an important role in supporting schools in challenging circumstances.
Mrs Laher said she was delighted to have been chosen.
“All the staff and governors are proud that our school has been selected for this role, in recognition of the hard work we have been doing.
“It is a great honour, especially as our very high standards demonstrate that children from all cultural backgrounds can achieve a lot.”
NLEs use their success and professionalism as school leaders, along with their staff, to provide additional leadership in struggling schools.
They also have access to Government Ministers to advise on education policy, and have responsibility for helping to grow the next generation of NLEs and National Support Schools.
Many of the schools involved in the scheme last year saw improvements in exam results at both the support and client schools.
Spring Grove receive an outstanding report from Government education inspectors in December last year.
Inspectors from Ofsted praised the school for its high quality, inclusive and multi-cultural experience and its position at the heart of the community, celebrating diversity.
Three-quarters of children at the school do not speak English as a first language.
Toby Salt, NCSLs Strategic Director of School Leadership Development, said: “I am truly excited that this fantastic programme is going to be expanded. It delivers quick, tangible results to pupils, and provides local authorities with an additional resource to call upon, in their commitment to raising standards in schools.
“The programme also builds a forum in which excellent school leadership can develop, allowing heads and their schools to gain unprecedented experience, and share their practice.
“I would like to congratulate Spring Grove JI&N School for being selected for this position, and my thanks in anticipation for the improvements that Mrs Bibi Laher will no doubt bring about for the children, with our support.”
To transform children’s achievement and wellbeing through excellent school leadership
To develop leadership within and beyond the school
To identify and grow tomorrow’s leaders
To create a ‘fit for purpose’ national college that is more strategic and offers school leaders even more leadership support.
