An Oxfordshire teacher will use her experience of school management to improve the leadership of the country's schools.

Susan Tranter, deputy headteacher at Matthew Arnold School in Cumnor, is one of a select number of people to have been picked by the National College for School Leadership (NCSL) to help develop leadership skills in schools.

The NCSL is the only college in the world dedicated to enhancing leadership in education. It was launched two years ago to provide training, recognition and support for school leaders.

Ms Tranter will compare the leadership skills and qualities of managers in schools, with those in business and organisations such as the army, hospitals and the civil service.

She will also carry out research into how potential middle managers are identified, the criteria used for their recruitment and selection, and what training is provided.

She said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to research this area, and engage with fellow professionals and leading experts in the field."

Geoff Southworth, director of research at the college, said: "Susan has come through a rigorous selection process and her study will make a significant contribution to the college's work."