A TOP headteacher is spearheading a drive to create East Lancashire’s first teacher training hub to raise education standards.

Former Headteacher of the Year Iain Hulland hopes to turn Alder Grange Community and Technology School and ag6 sixth form into a National Teaching School.

He is stepping back from his headteacher role so he can focus on the bid.

He will remain involved in the school's leadership as an executive headteacher while head of school David Hampson takes over.

He said: “The staff and governors believe that achieving and maintaining Teaching School status will help enhance Alder Grange’s long term future and enrich provision across Pennine Lancashire.

“But doing this while fulfilling the traditional role of headteacher is simply impossible.”

Mr Hulland, who joined the Rawtenstall school 20 years ago and became head in 2004, will spend 60 per cent of his time forging links with schools, local authorities, universities and other education organisations.

He hopes there will be at least one National Teaching School in every borough and all schools will be rated as outstanding and good by Ofsted after they have worked with them.

If successful, Alder Grange would have the status for four years.

Mr Hampson, who joined the school in 1994 and became head of school six years ago, said: “Iain’s new role will mean that he is still very much involved and I see this step very much as evolution rather than revolution for the school.

“While I am proud of what Iain and I have been able to achieve, I also recognise that we face some significant challenges in the years ahead if we are to build on the progress.

“Doing everything we can to get Teaching School status will be an important part of our strategy.”