A HEADTEACHER who was so successful in transforming his school that it was hailed as one of the most improved in the country has been chosen by other heads to lead their professional association in County Durham

Keith Cotgrave, from Bishop Barrington Comprehensive, in Bishop Auckland, takes over next month as county president of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).

Last year his achievement in raising standards at Bishop Barrington earned him an invitation from education secretary David Blunkett to join 40 other top teachers to celebrate their success in London.

A few months earlier the school had been the only one in the North-East to merit inclusion on schools' inspectorate Ofsted's 'most improved' list.

Father-of-three Mr Cotgrave took over at Bishop Barrington five years ago, 12 months after the school was heavily criticised by inspectors.

Now so many children want to go there that it has been permission to offer nearly 200 more places.

He said yesterday: "I am very honoured to have been chosen by my peers to promote the good work of the NAHT.

"Teaching is a very challenging job and a very exciting job. I am proud and privileged to be a head teacher especially at Bishop Barrington which is a very special place."