A FORMER Cirencester headteacher has scored one of the nation’s top education jobs.

Sir David Carter has been appointed as the National Schools Commissioner by the Department of Education.

Sir David, who is currently the Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC) for the South West, was at the helm of Deer Park school in Stroud Road, Cirencester, from 1997 to 2003.

He will be at the forefront of the government’s educational reforms, leading a team of 8 RSCs.

“This job is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference to the learning of children across our schools led system,” Sir David said.

“My aim will be to work with the regional commissioners, academy leaders and trustees to challenge all schools to perform better than ever before and deliver educational excellence everywhere.”

His role will include supporting the creation of new academies and free schools, intervening in failing or under-performing schools and recruiting academy sponsors.

Schools minister Lord Nash said: “David Carter has already made an outstanding contribution to the government’s academy reforms in the South West as one of our first regional schools commissioners.

“His considerable expertise as an outstanding school leader makes him the ideal choice to build on the significant legacy of Frank Green as the National Schools Commissioner.”