Where?

Cotgrave Candleby Lane School in Nottingham, where he is assistant director for children.

Why?

Cotgrave Candleby Lane is a large primary school in an old mining district with more than 550 pupils. It recently went through a process of amalgamation where three schools became one.

Tony has only been at the school since September but has been heavily involved in the changes. His role means he is committed to the strategic development of the school, focusing on the future of education, making the school the hub of the community, exploring the pastoral nature of schools and breaking the cycle of deprivation.

The school has an alternative curriculum on Fridays, which Tony is rebranding and developing. The concept, called Candleby Life, teaches children skills they will be able to use in the workplace by allowing them to run their own “businesses”.

Candleby Life has a creche, cafe, recording studio and radio station with 60,000 listeners - all run by pupils.

Tony is working to develop this initiative and raise the aspirations of pupils and families in the community. He plans to take the NPQH qualification next year as he thinks about stepping up to headship.

Nominated by?

Chris Wheatley, head, who says: “Tony will make a smashing head. He has a huge amount of emotional intelligence and is keen to develop that and apply it in school. Working with him is easy - he wants headship for his career and he is prepared to work towards it. We are lucky to have him.”

Thanks to the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services for nominating this week’s rising star. Send in your one to watch to features@tes.co.uk, including 300 words and a picture.