THE principal of Blackburn College has been revealed as the best-paid leader of any school or college in East Lancashire.

Thomas Moore, who is also the chief executive, received an annual remuneration of £152,608, according to data released by the TaxPayers’ Alliance.

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Blackburn College has declined to comment on the data.

The figures also showed that the college employs three members of staff that earn between £100,000 and £150,000.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Accrington and Rossendale College and Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School employ one member of staff each who earns between £100,000 and £150,000.

The top earners are expected to be Judith Child, Sue Taylor and Alan Porteous who lead their respective schools.

The data revealed that the University of Central Lancashire employs 24 people who earn between £100,000 and £150,000, and two people who receive more than £150,000 a year.

A spokesman for the university said: “Our most senior staff reflect what it takes to attract, retain and reward individuals undertaking demanding roles within complex, multi-million pound, world-class organisations operating in an increasingly competitive, global market.”

The university is the third largest in the North West and it has the ninth largest undergraduate population of all UK universities.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Accrington and Rossendale College and Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School all declined to comment.

Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will not begrudge an inspiring headteacher or world-class academic a good salary if they produce great results and motivate their students, but too often this is not what we find.

“Where institutions fail but financial rewards continue to flow to those at the top regardless, there is clearly a serious problem and taxpayers have every right to be concerned.

“The pay and perks enjoyed by those working at our schools and universities - and the entire public sector - must more accurately reflect how well they are doing their jobs.”

In the North West, the University of Liverpool had the most employees receiving remuneration in excess of £100,000 with 111.

Howard Newby, vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool, was paid the most, with £368,000.