EDUCATION experts have launched a consultancy aimed at helping schools as the financial squeeze increases on the public sector.

AVEC School Services, based in Darlington, is already supporting 80 schools with HR, finance, health and safety and governance issues, as local education authorities begin to take a back seat.

Many schools in the North are seeking academy status, while others are being run as businesses as the complexion of state education changes.

AVEC (Advice Value Excellence Capacity) has been formed by former local authority managers Sarah Monk, of School Aycliffe, and Julie Sowerby, of Darlington, a former head of education HR at the borough council.

Ms Monk, who has worked for Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council, helping to set up Darlington Education Village, said: “The public sector is being hit by the new era of austerity, but we are actually being helped by the changes introduced by the coalition Government because our work helps schools raise standards, be more efficient and cost effective.”

AVEC is working with schools in North Tyneside, Stockton, Darlington and County Durham.