The director of the government-backed free-schools charity the New Schools Network is departing after five months in the post.
Luke Tryl is believed to be leaving the organisation to become special adviser to Nicky Morgan following her appointment as culture secretary.
Mr Tryl previously worked for her when she was education secretary, and served as director of corporate strategy at Ofsted under Amanda Spielman.
Quick read: Profile of Luke Tryl
Controversy: Toby Young resigns from New Schools Network
Policy: Call to let parents take over 'untouchable' schools
He will be replaced at the New Schools Network by Unity Howard, who is currently the organisation’s deputy director.
She becomes the fifth person to lead the charity in the space of 18 months.
Toby Young resigned in March 2018 following controversy over crude comments he had previously made on Twitter, and was followed by Mark Lehain and Sigrun Olafsdottir in interim capacities until Mr Tryl took over as director in March 2019.
Ms Howard said: “Having been at NSN for several years, I’m honoured to have the opportunity to step into the driving seat and lead NSN’s fantastic team. I have seen the impact that free schools have made over the past decade and I am looking forward to building on that success.
“With the education secretary making clear that free schools are a top priority for this government, this really is the perfect time to be taking on this role and I can’t wait to get started.”
Mr Tryl’s departure comes shortly after the NSN celebrated its 10th anniversary with a report calling for the DfE to allow parents to take over “untouchable” schools.
He said: “It has been a real privilege to work at NSN. Free schools have the power to be a truly transformative force in the education landscape and I am looking forward to seeing the work of NSN under Unity’s leadership.
“I am delighted to be passing on the mantle, as free schools look set once again to play an important part of the domestic agenda – and with their proven track record, I know that NSN will be integral to making sure this outstanding programme continues to go from strength to strength over the coming months and years.”
David Ross, chair of trustees at NSN, said Ms Howard had played “a leading role” in advising free-school groups and had the board’s full confidence.
