THE Department of Education and Children has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer.

Stuart Dobson succeeds John Cain who retired in December after nine years in the position of Director of Education.

His position has now been renamed to mirror that of other government departments.

For the last three years Stuart has held the position of deputy director with the department.

He said: "The freedoms afforded by the Isle of Man's education system and system of government make this one of the most exciting opportunities for anyone in my field.

"It's an absolute pleasure to work with such a high quality and innovative group of colleagues who I am certain will work with me in facing the challenges and opportunities of the current time."

Stuart began his career as a teacher in Wakefield and progressed to head of a school in Saudi Arabia. He moved to the Island in 2005 and for 10 years was a registered inspector of schools.

Education and Children Minister Eddie Teare MHK said: "I am delighted Stuart has been appointed to take charge of this busy and diverse department which has a workforce of some 2,643 staff deployed across 72 centres plus 688 supply and relief staff.

"He will lead a skilled and dedicated workforce across our 40 schools, the Isle of Man College, the International Business School and our seven divisions – Corporate Services, Education Improvement Service, Estates, Finance, ICT, Services for Children and Youth.

"We have taken the opportunity, with the retirement of John Cain, to redefine our most senior post to bring the Department of Education and Children into line with other government departments.

"Stuart will have the important task of steering the department through a difficult period in view of the current fiscal challenges the Island is facing and I know he is looking forward to sitting down and starting work with me on refining our priorities and ensuring education in the Isle of Man, which has such an excellent reputation, continues to improve."