A senior figure in the management of religious education and Church of England schools in Derbyshire has been appointed.

Phil Moncur, 51, will take up his new post as the Diocese of Derby's Director of Education in May 2006. He will oversee a team of five in the Diocesan Board of Education, which supports and develops the work of 109 church schools across Derbyshire and offers advice and resources to around 350 churches for youth and children's work.

He leaves his post as headteacher of St Saviour's CofE Junior School in Batley, Kirklees, to move into Derbyshire and will succeed Canon David Edwards, who retires at the end of this month.

After serving in the RAF, Mr Moncur trained as a primary school teacher and taught for 13 years in and around Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, before moving to West Yorkshire in 1993. He has been headteacher of three church schools and has training and experience of inspecting schools.

In addition, through involvement with his local church, he has practical experience of leading church-based children's and youth work, as well as leading all-age worship at Spring Harvest - one of the country's biggest annual Christian gatherings.

Mr Moncur is married to Kate and has three grown-up children and five grandchildren. He enjoys reading, steam railways and flying light aircraft.

Commenting on his move, he said: "I am very much looking forward to starting work in the Diocese of Derby in May. The role of Director of Education is both a tremendous privilege and an awesome responsibility.”

The departing Director of Education, David Edwards said: "I wish Phil every blessing in his new post and hope that he will be as happy in Derby Diocese as I have been.”

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