THE head of Holmfirth High has been chosen for a top role in supporting struggling schools.

Dr Andy Williams has become one of only 60 heads across the country to be appointed as a National Leader of Education (NLE) by the National College for School Leadership.

The role means he will use his success as a school leader to provide guidance to struggling schools.

NLEs, who were introduced last year, will also be able to advise Government ministers on education policy.

In addition to Dr Williams’ role, Holmfirth High has been designated as a National Support School.

This means other staff will be involved in supporting schools that are not performing as well as Holmfirth High.

Many NSS schools last year saw improvements in exam results by both their own pupils and those they were helping at other schools.

Mr Williams, who has been head of Holmfirth High for seven years, was one of 116 people to apply to become NLEs this year.

He said: “I and the school are delighted to have been selected for these positions.

“We will of course be working hard to do whatever we can to assist and support the work of other schools, while maintaining efforts to move our own school forward.”

Toby Salt, strategic director of school leadership development at the NCSL, said: “This fantastic programme delivers quick, tangible results for pupils.

“It also provides local authorities with an additional resource to call upon, in their commitment to raising standards in schools,’’ he added.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to Holmfirth High for being selected for this position and my thanks in anticipation for the improvements that Andy Williams will no doubt bring about for the children.”