Sir Mike Tomlinson, the ex-chief inspector of schools in the UK, is to be the next president of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE).

Tomlinson will succeed the current president, George Weston, in October this year. Tomlinson spent 12 years in the classroom as a science teacher before joining Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools (now Ofsted) in 1978. In 1989, he became chief inspector (secondary) and, in November 2000 when Chris Woodhead resigned, he became Chief Inspector of Schools, a post which he held until his retirement in 2002.

RASE council chairman Henry Cator said: “This is a terrific development for RASE. Sir Mike Tomlinson will follow a succession of excellent, high-profile presidents who have contributed so much to the long-term development of the society.

“Educating schoolchildren about farming and attracting new entrants to the industry are key focus areas for the society, both through its work with Farming & Countryside Education and Fresh Start.

“The society has a number of events and reports planned over the coming year. Sir Mike brings with him vast knowledge and experience in the education sector and we are delighted to be working with him.”

Tomlinson added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to link the current, high profile interest in ‘local’ food with educating school children about how it’s produced and, of course, the opportunities the industry offers.”

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