AN EDUCATION trust which sponsors a school in Keighley is taking on a new chief executive.

Northern Education Trust, (NET) a not-for-profit education charity which backs Merlin Top Primary Academy, in Braithwaite, has announced the appointment of Rob Tarn, with effect from September 1 this year.

Mr Tarn said: "I am delighted to join such a principled organisation with such strong values and a complete focus on the needs of children and young people.

"I am particularly passionate about working in communities of high deprivation and I firmly believe that the transformation of outcomes for young people is the key to regenerating our communities."

A NET spokesman said: "We would wish to pay tribute to Ian Kershaw, our current chief executive, for his excellent leadership through this period of significant change.

"Rob Tarn will bring a wealth of experience in school improvement which is an essential strand of our organisational development programme.

"Northern Education Trust has taken on schools which have faced intractable challenges over many years.

"Rob has considerable experience of working to ensure rapid transformation of schools in Special Measures.

"He is currently Regional CEO (North) for Outwood Grange Academies Trust. He is also a National Leader of Education."