An Ilkley primary school is to lead the way helping schools in challenging circumstances in its new role as a National Support School.

Ashlands Primary School head, Eileen Fitzpatrick, is one of the latest headteachers in the country to be appointed a National Leader of Education (NLE).

Her appointment follows an announcement that the National College for Leadership of Schools’ support scheme will be expanded.

Mrs Fitzpatrick is one of only 100 headteachers in the country to be selected.

NLEs use their success and professionalism as school leaders to provide additional leadership capability in struggling schools or those in transition to federation or academy status.

The type of support provided is flexible, and continuing good practice and outcomes at the Support School is central to the scheme.

The staff at Ashlands will also play a major role.

Mrs Fitzpatrick said: “Frankly, when the staff heard the news we were stunned and it took a while for us all to realise just how important this is for Ashlands. It goes without saying that the ongoing needs and priorities of Ashlands are paramount. At the same time, what we do in school is being recognised as valuable and worth sharing with a school that needs support in some way.

“We never stop learning and this venture will be enormously enriching for us all.”

More than half a million pupils across the country are already said to have benefited from the National Leaders of Education and Support Schools scheme.

The number of NLEs is set to double to around 1,000 by 2015, following the recent expansion announcement by the Education Secretary.