The founder of a Kent schools trust is preparing to take on a new role in the government.

Dr Jo Saxton, chief executive of Turner Schools in Folkestone, will become a policy adviser for the Secretary of State for Education, MP Gavin Williamson.

She will take up the post on Monday, March 23.

Seamus Murphy, current executive principal of the Folkestone Academy, has been appointed as acting chief executive.

Dr Jo Saxton said: "It’s a huge wrench to be leaving Turner Schools - I have lived and breathed Team Turner for the last four years and it’s been such a privilege to serve Folkestone.

"It has been an honour and privilege to set up an education Trust that can and will continue to help young people gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and have choices in their futures.

"I am proud of what we have achieved so far, and have absolutely every confidence that Turner Schools is going to go from strength to strength in the coming years under the guidance of Mike, the Board and Seamus’ expert leadership."

The Turner School trust covers four schools in Folkestone - Morehall Primary, Martello Primary, Turner Free School and the Folkestone Academy and its primary. It was set up in 2016.

Work to create a brand new modern three-storey building, which will include new classrooms, updated sports hall and multi-use game areas, at Turner Free School is now underway.

Michael Buchanan, chair of Turner Schools, said: "We are very sad to be losing Jo - she has put her heart and soul into Turner Schools and has achieved a huge amount since setting the Trust up in 2016, leaving all our schools in a much better place than she inherited them.

"Her vision to create schools that offer a powerful education to all children regardless of background and to effect a sea-change in Folkestone is fast becoming a reality.

"Our loss is the Secretary of State’s gain, and we are incredibly proud of what she has achieved.

"The Directors of Turner Schools are pleased to be able to provide immediate continuity of leadership for the schools in the form of Seamus Murphy and we are looking forward to working closely with him to ensure the momentum of improvement in the education provided to children and young people in Folkestone is maintained."

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