A RYEDALE teacher has become the only one in the district to earn a leadership qualification to take on the role of headteacher.

Gillian Hardacre, deputy head of Helmsley community primary school for the past six years, is one of 94 teachers in Yorkshire and Humberside to have been awarded the National Professional Qualification for Headship in the past year.

Mrs Hardacre, who lives in Pickering, was previously at Thornton-le-Dale school for 14 years.

At Helmsley, which has 172 pupils, she is co-ordinator for Key Stage 2, manager of the curriculum, and in charge of mathematics.

Recently, she obtained an MA at the University of York in mathematics and working with able children. Her husband, John, is a teacher in York.

The qualification is awarded by the National College of School Leadership and provides aspiring headteachers with training in leadership and management, said Heather Du Quesnay, director and chief executive of the college.

"Good leadership in schools is key to raising standards and ensuring pupils are getting the high quality education they deserve."

Mrs Hardacre received her award at a graduation ceremony last week at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, York, from Dr Trevor Thomas, chief education officer for Lincolnshire.

The NPQH, which was introduced in 1997, is delivered in Yorkshire and Humberside by the regional centre at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Updated: 12:24 Thursday, December 06, 2001