TWO Hartlepool headteachers have been selected for top roles in supporting other schools.

Julie Thomas, headteacher of Brougham Primary School, and Jo Heaton, who is headteacher at Hart Primary School and St Peter’s Elwick CE Primary School, are two of more than 80 headteachers to be appointed to the role of national leader of education (NLE) in the latest recruitment round.

The initiative helps improve standards across the country by sharing expertise and knowledge.

Jo Heaton said: “It is a real privilege to be asked to support other schools to improve outcomes for pupils not just in our own two schools in the Federation of St. Peter’s Elwick and Hart, but across Hartlepool and the North East.

“It has been a really successful year for us with our Ofsted judgement of “outstanding” and it is important to say how this success is down to the hard work of every single member of staff in the Federation. We are all excited to move forward as a National Support School.”

Julie Thomas added: “I am delighted to have been selected. It is a great achievement for everyone connected with the school, especially the dedicated staff, and concludes another successful year in which we joined the Ad Astra Academy Trust."