A new regional school commissioner (RSC) for the West Midlands has been appointed to replace Pank Patel.
Christine Quinn, the executive principal and chief executive of Ninestiles Academy Trust in Birmingham, will take up the role on October 3.
She replaces Patel who quit his role last month to become headteacher of the George Salter Academy in West Bromwich. Patel will start at the school in September and said he was standing down as an RSC because he “missed being a head“.
Ninestiles School was the first “converter” academy in Birmingham in January 2011 and the trust comprises four primary and two secondary schools, with another secondary due to join soon.
Speaking about her new role, Quinn said: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of RSC for the West Midlands. Having worked in schools in the region for 25 years I relish the opportunity of working with Sir David Carter, the National Schools Commissioner, and the other regional schools commissioners to improve the life chances for all pupils and students in our schools and academies.
“The richness and diversity of the West Midlands region makes the role of the regional schools commissioner in this area a particularly attractive one. I look forward to working with schools and academies along with their leaders and governors to secure the best possible experience for students and pupils in our region.”
She will work with more than 700 academies and free schools in regions including Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Shropshire.
Carter added: “The West Midlands region will benefit from her vast knowledge and skills. I look forward to working with Christine as she takes forward her role as an RSC with vigour.”
Quinn started her career in Leeds as an English teacher and has been headteacher of Birmingham’s Waverly School and The International School.
The national leader of education has previously criticised a decision to inspect schools in the city following the Trojan Horse scandal in 2014. She described the situation as “harrowing”.
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