A DARWEN headteacher will become the interim executive principal of four schools in the town from September.

Brendan Loughran, who currently leads Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, will now also take charge of Darwen Vale High School, Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio and Sudell Primary School.

The four schools are part of the Aldridge Foundation, a national academy trust.

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Mr Loughran, who has been at the helm of DACA for eight years, will take on the role from September 1 until April 30 next year.

David Cane will take on the role of interim principal at DACA until the end of December before passing on the post to Fiona Beaumont from January to the end of April.

The role is being split in order for both teachers to gain experience in the job, Mr Loughran has said.

If Mr Loughran applies for the new role and is accepted, DACA will advertise for a full-time replacement next year.

The Aldridge Foundation board will begin the process for recruiting a permanent executive principal early in the autumn and the person chosen will start their role at the beginning of May.

In his letter to parents, Mr Loughran said he was delighted to take on the role but would also ensure he maintained a strong relationship with DACA.

He said: "It is of great importance to us that we ensure continuity of strong leadership at DACA through this period.

“Please be assured that although I will be leading other schools in addition to DACA, supporting them in working together to achieve the best educational experiences and outcomes of all of our students, I will continue to retain a strong presence at DACA, supporting Mrs Beaumont and Mr Cane in their interim roles."

Mr Loughran has worked in education in the North West for more than 25 years including teaching at schools in Knowsley, Trafford and elsewhere in East Lancashire.

He has sat on a variety of community boards and the Children and Young People's Trust and he chairs the North West Regional Advisory Committee for the National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics.

Kathy Cowell, chair of the Aldridge Multi-Academy Trust in the North West, said: “A key feature of our trust is our commitment to each of our schools being individual, inclusive, entrepreneurial and community focused, each with their own principal reporting to their own governors.

“The role of executive principal will be to work with the school principals and the foundation’s national team of academic partners.

“We asked all of our principals to consider expressing an interest in this position and from the candidates who came forward I am delighted to announce that Brendan Loughran has accepted our offer."