A new education director has been appointed to the Diocese of Ely.

Andrew Read has been announced as the next Diocese Director of Education and CEO of the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust (DEMAT) in succession to Tricia Pritchard, who retires this summer.

Mr Read said: “I am honoured to be succeeding the current director, Tricia Pritchard, and joining the diocesan education team in their work to support the church schools of the diocese, and leading the growing multi-academy trust on behalf of the board of trustees.

“I look forward to getting to know the clergy, headteachers, teachers and support staff in our schools and academies, and further enhancing the important work of the diocese at a time of considerable change in education.”

Starting as a classroom teacher, he has led several educational service companies, acted as a senior educational adviser to government, multiple local authorities, and more than 1,000 academies and schools.

He has had a 12-year career as an inspector for Ofsted, including as a lead inspector, and acted as a trustee for a number of national educational charities.

He has also been a governor for several local schools.

Bishop Stephen Conway said: “We are confident that he is the person whose experience and skills match our needs and ambitions as a diocese, and who will dedicate his efforts to helping our schools and academies deliver the best quality outcomes for our young people.

“I look forward to working with him as a colleague in the years ahead.’

The Diocese of Ely supports 82 church primary schools and one secondary school in Cambridgeshire, West Norfolk and Peterborough.