SWINDON Education Partnership Board has a new chairman.

Martin Davies is the recently-retired head of KPMG's national education consulting operation and a former director of education for Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The council-run Education Partnership Board aims to maximise the effectiveness of local education in the borough by bringing together all those groups involved in providing it.

Mr Davies said: "I am delighted to be asked to help the Swindon education stakeholders work towards improving the education system for Swindon's pupils. I have been impressed by the shared understandings that now exist between all the education partners.

"Their commitment to improve the service has attracted me to this position, and I am sure we can all make rapid improvements on behalf of Swindon learners."

Schools Minister David Milliband also welcomed the new appointment, saying: "Martin brings a wealth of education and change management experience.

"His role as chair will be particularly important in bringing together key stakeholders in Swindon to ensure the delivery of improved education services for the town's children."