Former DfE academies chief named national schools commissioner

One of the Department for Education’s regional schools commissioners, Dominic Herrington, is to take over the national commissioner role from the beginning of September on an interim basis, it has been announced.

Herrington, who was the DfE’s director of the Academies Group before being named regional schools commissioner for the south east of England and south London in 2014, will head up the team of commissioners until a full-time appointment is made.

The national schools commissioner works with the regional posts and with headteachers across the country, including in academies and free schools, to share best practice and take action in underperforming schools.

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Current national commissioner Sir David Carter is to leave the post after four years at the department, and will leave the civil service.

The department said that Herrington’s temporary appointment will provide continuity for academies across the country. He will maintain his regional role while acting as national commissioner.

“I’m looking forward to working with the regional schools commissioners in seven other areas of England to build on Sir David Carter’s achievements by continuing to challenge and support school leaders,” Herrington said.