Currently headteacher of St Bonaventure’s School in Newham, he was knighted for services to education in 2000. Sir Michael will take up his post this autumn before the academy opens in September 2004.

Pat Millichamp, currently headteacher at Risca Community comprehensive school, Caerphilly, has been appointed the first principal of Lambeth Academy, London. This is the first of three city academies sponsored by the United Learning Trust, set up by the Church Schools Company. Ms Millichamp becomes principal designate in September, with the academy due to open a year later.

Stourbridge College has strengthened its senior management team with the promotion of three assistant principals. Heather Linley will be responsible for curriculum planning; Fazal Dad is responsible for running the college’s ATC (Advanced Technology Centre) for the Built Environment at the Waterfront, Brierley Hill; and Beryl Syrotiuk will oversee the development of community and franchise provision, engineering and management support at KITS (Kingswinford Industrial Training Centre).