A NORTH college principal is to play a vital role in the development of the school curriculum.

Jennifer Slater, from Northallerton College, will be the only state secondary school head on the Department of Education's 14-19 working group.

Headed by former chief inspector of schools Mike Tomlinson, the 15-strong group will recommend the shape of the new work-related curriculum.

It will also recommend changes to the national qualifications framework to recognise the achievements of all young people. The GCSE could disappear, or change radically, and even A-levels could be up for consideration.