Headteachers of the future have been recognised during a celebration of two Essex school leadership projects.

Essex County Council has marked the end of the first phase of its Heads in Waiting development programme which began last year and has seen 11 deputy and assistant headteachers complete a range of development activities.

Among those in the programme are Louise Venables at Powers Hall Academy, Witham, Lisa Frith-Sly at St Andrew’s Junior, Colchester, Jonathan Sly at Cherry Tree Primary, Colchester, Jackie Lucraft at Frinton Primary, Gary Henderson at Clacton County High and Charlotte Booth-Rylett at St Helena School, Colchester.

Four have already secured significant promotion.

The authority has also launched a Virtual Leadership Academy, which is also geared at recruiting, developing and retaining the best school leaders in Essex.

The online portal is a one-stop-shop for information about career development opportunities in the county and was developed by EES for Schools (formerly Essex Education Services).

Ray Gooding, county councillor for education, said: “We have some excellent teachers in this county and, as these two projects illustrate, we recognise the importance of recruiting, developing and retaining the best leaders in building upon the progress already being made.

“We will continue to provide schools with the help and support needed to give pupils the best possible education.”