Long-standing TES columnist Roger Pope is taking up a new position as chair of the National College of Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) from today.
Mr Pope, principal of Kingsbridge Community College in Devon, has been appointed as the new chair two months after the NCTL’s former chief executive Charlie Taylor left the organisation for the Ministry of Justice.
TES has learned that there will be no new chief executive. Mr Taylor’s former responsibilities will be split between Mr Pope, who will focus on advising ministers on the strategic development of the school-led teacher training system, and director of delivery Sinead O’Sullivan, who will carry out the day-to-day management of the organisation.
Mr Pope, who is also the chief executive of the Academies South West chain, has 25 years’ experience as a teacher and school leader.
During his career, he has taught English in schools across the south of England and in Hong Kong, formed a Teaching School alliance of more than 25 schools and was a member of the NCTL’s group that visited Shanghai to examine maths and science practice.
His position at the NCTL will be part-time and will involve providing advice to education secretary Nicky Morgan on the development of national policy in relation to the recruitment of teachers and school leaders.
Ms Morgan said: “We are delighted to have someone of Roger’s calibre on-board. His appointment will strengthen the NCTL’s important work - ensuring we can continue to attract more high-quality people into the teaching profession, further expand school-led teacher training, and inspire ever greater standards of teaching and school leadership across the country.”
Mr Pope said: “It is a great privilege to take on this role and continue as a serving school leader. I am very much looking forward to contributing to the NCTL’s vital work in developing teachers and leaders.”
Former chief executive Mr Taylor left the organisation in August to join the Ministry of Justice where he works under former education secretary Michael Gove.
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