THURROCK superhead' John King has been selected for top role supporting struggling schools.

And his staff at Corringham's Gable Hall School will be tasked to help him help other schools who face problems.

Mr King, 56, who has been head at Gable Hall for 13 years and in the dual role as head of William Edwards School in Grays for the last two years, is recognised as a successful problem solver.

As well as his leadership at Gable Hall and William Edwards, he was also called in to help get Ockendon School on the right track when it was in trouble several years ago.

Now he has been appointed one of only 60 heads across the country to selected by the National College for School Leadership into the role of National Leader of Education. And Gable Hall has been designated a National Support School.

The scheme will see Mr King, who was awarded an OBE in 2005 for services to education, given an important role in supporting schools in challenging circumstances.

He and his team will be asked to use their success and professionalism as school leaders, along with the staff in their school, to provide additional leadership capacity in struggling schools.

They also have access to Government Ministers to advise on education policy.

Toby Salt, Stategic Director of School Leadership Development said: "I am truly excited that this fantastic programme is going to be expanded. It delivers quick, tangible results to pupils, and provides Local Authorities with an additional resource to call upon, in their commitment to raising standards in schools.

"The programme also builds a forum in which excellent school leadership can develop, allowing heads and their schools to gain unprecedented experience, and share their practice.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to John King for being selected for this position, and my thanks in anticipation for the improvements that John will no doubt bring about for the children, with our support."