THE new director of education for the Church of England in Lancashire starts his role tomorrow.

Stephen Whittaker will be licensed the following day by Rt Rev Julian Henderson, Bishop of Blackburn, during the diocesan ‘Chrism Eucharist’ taking place on Maundy Thursday at 11am in Blackburn Cathedral.

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Stephen began his teaching career at St James CofE Primary, in Lower Darwen, before moving on to become deputy headteacher at St John’s CofE and Methodist Primary School in Brinscall. In September 2003 he became headteacher at St Peter’s Chorley CofE Primary.

The father-of-two, who lives in Clayton-le-Woods, has most recently worked at Bolton School, where he was head of the junior school of the boys’ division and was also a member of the wider management team responsible for all pupils.

Stephen, 43, said: “These are exciting and challenging times to be working in education and I am looking forward immensely to my new role. The importance of working with and developing our young people in environments that value and uphold strong Christian values cannot be overstated.

“My door will be open and I hope to meet as many headteachers, pupils, governors, clergy and people working with young people across the diocese as I can.

“I am joining the diocese at an exciting time as it starts to roll out its new vision with key aims of making disciples of, being witnesses to, and growing leaders for Jesus Christ.

“I will seek to ensure our excellent church schools play a central role in the development and future growth of the Church of England in Lancashire.”

Archdeacon Michael Everitt, chairman of the diocesan board of education, added: “Stephen’s arrival signals a new era for education in the diocese. His experience, passion for the gospel and for children’s learning means he is ideal to take the Board of Education forward.”.”