A civil servant has been appointed to a role which makes key decisions on the region's academies and free schools.

Sue Baldwin, director of school efficiency at the Department for Education (DfE), has been named as the new regional schools commissioner (RSC) for the east of England and north east London.

RSCs make decisions on the creation of new academies, monitor the performances of under performing academies, write warning notices to schools and 'support high-quality applications for new free schools'.

From August 1, she will take over from Tim Coulson and will be responsible for 'overseeing the growth of academies in the region', the DfE said.

Mrs Baldwin said: 'I am delighted to be appointed as RSC for the region where I live and where my wider family has long standing connections.

'I want to make sure that every child and young person has the best school place possible and that they are excited by the opportunity that a brilliant education can offer.'