A NEW teacher training unit has opened at Kendal’s Queen Katherine School.

The Centre for Leadership and Learning will serve as a des-ignated base for the school’s teaching school alliance.

“This is a fantastic facility which will be the hub for school-based training and development of the education workforce,” said Alison Chapman, teaching school co-ordinator.

“It also provides an excellent space for conferences and seminars within the school.”

The centre was officially opened by School’s Commissioner Frank Green in front of an array of guests.

Mr Green was in Cumbria for a two-day visit to Cumbria which included meeting educational leaders, head teachers, the National College of Teaching and Learning’s Associate for Cumbria and the Cumbria Alli-ance of System Leaders (CASL).

He said: “I’m delighted to be visiting Cumbria to meet some of its outstanding leaders.

“One of our main goals is to create a self-managing, self-improving system and I look forward to seeing the progress I know is being made in Cumbria to support the people driving this transformation in education.”

Stephen Wilkinson, executive head teacher of The Queen Katherine School, said: “It is very exciting to have a well- respected leader with a proven track record of helping schools to increase their effectiveness to take such a close interest in Cumbria so soon in his role as School Commissioner.

“Chris Clarke, head teacher of Queen Elizabeth School in Kirkby Lonsdale, and I met Frank in London before half term and were able to explain a little about the Cumbrian context and our efforts to work collaboratively.

“I think the range of colleagues attending is a strong indicator that collaboration and partnership working is strong in Cumbria.”

Tim Farron, Westmorland and Lonsdale, who was also at the opening, said: “Being able to train our teachers locally is hugely beneficial.”