A STOCKSFIELD man who was an Ofsted schools inspector for 10 years has been appointed to the board of The Northern Education Trust, a multi-academy, not-for-profit trust and one of the largest in the Northern region.

Tom Grieveson worked with Ofsted between 2005 and 2015 in its North-East, Yorkshire and Humberside region.

He has led many high profile inspections in different areas of England with a particular specialism of working to improve schools in Ofsted categories of concern including academies.

His extensive knowledge of the North-East and its educational performance has led to his involvement in many initiatives, most recently, leading on the performance of disadvantaged pupils.

Prior to joining HMI in 2005, he spent 12 years as a headteacher before taking up senior positions in local authorities including as head of service.

He is now working on a number of school improvement activities within the region and is also a member of the governing body of Priory School, in Hexham.

Speaking about the appointment, NET’s chief executive Ian Kershaw said: “It is a privilege to work alongside Tom and welcome him to the board.

“The wisdom and insight he possesses into the challenges faced by senior leadership teams working at schools in disadvantaged areas, as well as his perspectives on educational inspection and the development of strong governance, are second to none.”

Established in September 2012, the Northern Education Trust operates 20 academies - 10 secondary and 10 primary academies – throughout the North-East and North-West of England.