Gloucestershire County Council has appointed Clare Dudman as the county's new head of school improvement.

Clare is currently assistant director of education in the London Borough of Lambeth, where she is responsible for educational standards, school governance and education safeguarding. She is also a board member of the Lambeth Schools Partnership, which plays a key part in its school improvement processes.

An experienced school leader and improvement professional, Clare brings a wealth of experience to the role. She will take up her new post in Gloucestershire on 1st September.

The extensive recruitment process included presentations to panels of young people, head teachers, partners, senior education managers and the leadership of Children's Services.

Chris Spencer, director of Children's Services at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "I am very pleased to welcome Clare to our education team. She brings extensive experience of school improvement which will greatly benefit our schools.

"We want all children to benefit from a high quality education which allows them to flourish and I am confident that Clare can support our schools to make sure every child reaches their full potential."

Cllr Philip Robinson, cabinet member for schools at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "I am delighted with Clare's appointment. She made a great impression upon the selection panel and it is clear that her experience in school improvement will greatly benefit our county's schools."

Clare Dudman said: "I am delighted to have been chosen as Gloucestershire's new head of school improvement. I'm looking forward to working in partnership with schools across the county so that we can provide the very best education for all children and young people."