Paul Smith, the regional schools commissioner (RSC) for Lancashire and West Yorkshire, has resigned.
It is believed Mr Smith has left for a different post. It is not yet known who will replace him, but the posts were previously advertised nationally as they are civil servant roles.
Mr Smith was previously executive principal of Parbold Douglas Church of England Academy and Teaching School near Wigan, Greater Manchester – a rural school that chose to convert to an academy.
Schools Week profiled Mr Smith last year.
RSCs are the government’s ‘middle tier’, introduced as a new layer between individual academy schools and trusts, and the Department for Education.
They have a remit of monitoring the performance of academies in their area, making recommendations on free school applications and supporting academisation.
Each RSC is supported by a headteacher board, made up of elected, appointed and co-opted members.
More to follow.
Your thoughts