THE headteacher from a top performing school have been chosen to support other schools facing challenging circumstances.

Angela Puddick, the head of The Links Primary School in Eaglescliffe, has been appointed to the role of National Leader of Education (NLE) following an announcement that the school support scheme, run by the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services, will be expanded.

The deployment is tailor-made to suit the needs of each school and the type of support provided is flexible and can involve NLEs becoming acting or executive head teacher of the client school or schools.

Angela Puddick, said: "Having always been passionate about education and wanting the very best for children, this is an opportunity to help others and share valuable experiences that will lead on to maximising the true potential of all the children in our care."

The number of NLEs is set to double from 500 to 1,000 by 2015 following the recent government announcement.

Lynda Brown, head of children, schools and complex needs for Stockton Council said: "We are delighted Angela's expertise and the strength of The Links Primary School is being recognised and we look forward to working with her to improve outcomes for young people across Stockton Borough."