AN important new role has been appointed to Callington Community College.

The college is one of only 150 schools in England to be granted teaching school status in the third wave — and it has also been designated as a national support school and its principal, Gary Lobbett, as a national leader of education.

The teaching schools initiative began in 2011, marking a shift towards school-centred training and development.

The programme gives outstanding schools the freedom and autonomy to lead a group of schools, working with other partners to deliver high-quality support for teachers and leaders at all stages in their career.

In partnership with primary and secondary schools, academies, universities and local authorities, the teaching school will drive improvement in the quality of education and professional practice across the region.

Mr Lobbett said: 'Congratulations to everyone who helps to make the college so successful. We are all grateful for the support and contribution we receive from our many partners in education and other fields.

'It is a privilege to be collaborating within such a strong strategic partnership and alliance and to be training future teachers and leaders.

'By establishing a new national teaching school we will contribute to the education of thousands of pupils, young people and adults in Cornwall, across the South West and beyond. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this significant success in any way.'

The National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) has responsibility for the designation and quality of the teaching schools programme, as the national network grows to 500 teaching schools by 2015.

Charlie Taylor, chief executive at NCTL, said: 'Teaching schools like Callington Community College should be proud of their achievement as they need to be at the top of their game to take on this role — outstanding in their own performance with a track record of raising standards through supporting other schools.'