A CUMBRIAN Headteacher is to be the new Chief Executive of Carlisle's Multi Academy Trust.

Claire Render is currently Executive Headteacher at Wreay Church of England Primary School, near Carlisle, and at the Trust's school in Whitfield, Northumberland.

She is takes up the role of the Diocese of Carlisle's The Good Shepherd Multi Academy Trust with 25 years of teaching experience.

Claire said: “I'm delighted to have been appointed the new CEO of the Good Shepherd Multi Academy Trust.

"My aim is to grow the Trust over the next couple of years and further develop it as a provider of high quality education across Cumbria.

“I’m also pleased that Wreay is to explore becoming a member academy of the Trust whose core value of providing the best educational experience within a Christian context is one which, I’m sure, resonates with our pupils, staff and parents.”

Michael Mill, Diocesan Director of Education and who has been the Trust’s acting Chief Executive since 2014, will step down though he will remain on the Trust’s board of Directors.

He said: “We have been working closely with Claire as she has supported some of our schools. She has seen the positives of being part of the Trust and as Chief Executive brings a great deal of experience and the necessary to further grow and develop the Trust.”

Meanwhile Nigel Appleton, Chair of the Trust’s Board of Directors, has announced he is to step down at the end of his term in the spring.

Nigel has been a director since the Trust’s foundation in April 2014 and Chair for the last two years overseeing a growth in both membership and reputation.

There are currently five academy members: Ambleside CE School, Braithwaite CE Primary, Lazonby CE Primary, Lorton School and Whitfield CE Primary. He prepares to step down following a significant period of success for the Trust during which three schools have gained ‘Good’ Ofsted report outcomes.

Nigel said: “I am very pleased the Trust has been able to secure Claire’s services as CEO after a competitive selection process.

"I am sure she will bring fresh ideas and use her experience to build the Trust with the support of the whole Trust family. Meanwhile, I am looking forward to doing some other things with my ‘retirement’ whilst following with interest the fortunes of the Good Shepherd MAT."