A former head of Ofsted has been appointed to front a new partnership aimed at improving attainment in Camden’s schools by harnessing community links.

Sir Mike Tomlinson, who was chief inspector of schools from 2000 to 2002, will be chair of the Camden Partnership for Educational Excellence.

The new initiative aims to improve educational attainment and career prospects for Camden’s young by forging links between schools and the wealth of top industries and institutions in the borough.

It will also have a �2million pot that schools can apply to in order to fund important projects.

Sir Mike will chair the new body for its first year and appoint key members.

He said: “Camden is uniquely placed with a wide range of opportunities and industries of every kind.

“We hope to involve museums and galleries, the British Library, the Wellcome Trust and many other bodies to provide a wider experience for pupils and widen their horizons.

“So far every indication is that the majority of potential partners are interested in becoming involved.”

He added: “Not every pupil gets introduced to organisations and routes into work through the family, so we’re hoping to help make those links and to enhance the vocational side of things and enrich the curriculum.”

Particular goals are to ease the transition between primary and secondary education and to eliminate the number of 16 to 18-year-olds in the borough not in employment, education and training.

“It’s important given the riots of last summer,” said Sir Mike. “It’s important to give young people a sense of worth.”