WOOLACOMBE Primary School head teacher Sandy Brown is one of 75 teachers in the UK to be appointed to a top leadership role, supporting struggling schools.

Mrs Brown will become a trailblazer for raising standards in her new role as a National Leader of Education (NLE), after she was selected during the latest recruitment round by the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services,

Her appointment will also mean that the school is now designated a National Support School (NSS).

She said: "It means that good schools like ours can help other schools by supporting them."

She said the school would be held up as an example, with professionals visiting and holding discussions at Woolacombe, as well as visiting to see their good teaching practice in action.

"It's a well deserved accolade for the school. Everyone works hard at everything they do, all the time."

As an NLE Mrs Brown will draw on her experience and successes at the Woolacombe school to provide additional leadership support to struggling schools.

She begins work this week, supporting Torrington Junior School, where SATs results have been lower than the national average for the last three years.

Mrs Brown will be working alongside staff, governors and education experts from Devon County Council to improve the SATs results.

She said: "I am totally committed to giving excellence in every way to all children and families. I am very proud at having been selected for this prestigious position and also of my school.

"The staff at our school are an amazing team and every single person gives their very best to the children and the community. Our partnership with Governors and parents helps to make our school outstanding in every way.

"Education is of paramount importance to us all and here at Woolacombe we enjoy every aspect of our work and learning."

The latest expansion of the scheme brings the total number of NLEs available for deployment nationally to 377.