Julian Appleyard chosen for key school support role

Julian Appleyard, Principal at Rochdale Sixth Form College

Julian Appleyard, the Principal and staff at Rochdale Sixth Form College have been selected for a top role supporting schools in challenging circumstances.

Mr Appleyard is one of only 144 Headteachers and Principals to be appointed to the role of National Leader of Education (NLE) in the latest recruitment round.

NLEs use their success and professionalism as school/college leaders, along with the staff in their school - designated a National Support School - to provide additional leadership capability in other schools.

The deployment is tailor-made to suit the needs of each school needing support, or those in transition to federation or academy status. The type of support provided is flexible and can involve NLEs becoming Acting or Executive Headteacher of the client school or schools. They also have responsibility for bringing on the next generation of NLEs and National Support Schools.

Julian Appleyard said: “I am delighted to be appointed as a National Leader of Education (NLE). I look forward to working and supporting other institutions, so that more students can achieve their potential and with it increase life chances.”

Many NLEs/NSSs report improved exam results at the schools they support, as well as their own.

Charlie Taylor, Chief Executive of the National College for Teaching and Leadership, said: “It’s great that Principals like Julian Appleyard are willing to look beyond their own college gates to help more and more pupils achieve. We now have over 1,000 National Leaders of Education and their efforts are at the heart of a self-improving, school-led education system.

“School-to-school support is having a growing impact and the results speak for themselves with benefits for both the schools being supported and those providing the support.”

Successful heads will be invited to attend a formal induction and training for the role in driving school improvement.