An education boss has quit a high-level post in Manchester to take a pay cut.

John Edwards is second in command of schools, nurseries and children's social services in Manchester.

But he is leaving his £115,000 a year job after two years to take on a new schools role in West Yorkshire.

His departure has prompted a shake-up of management roles in the council's children service's department.

Mr Edwards, 39, a former assistant headteacher, will begin a £91,000 a year post with Kirklees Council later this year as assistant director for learning.

Manchester officials say the dad-of-two who travelled from his home in West Yorkshire was keen to spend more time with family.

As part of the new arrangement, assistant directors Kieron McDermott and Mike Livingstone will both be promoted to deputies, in charge of education and social services respectively.

Mr Edwards joined Manchester council in July 2007 having previously been credited with driving up standards at schools in Wakefield.

His role was broadly equivalent to that of chief education officer – a post with Manchester council has historically struggled to fill in recent years.

Prior to Mr Edwards appointment, there were four chief education officers in two years.

During his tenure educational standards have improved faster than the rest of the country, but Manchester still suffers appalling absenteeism and lower than average GCSE scores.

Commenting on his move, Mr Edwards said:"I've really enjoyed my time here in Manchester and have worked with some great colleagues both within the department and in schools, but I felt the time was right to make a move.

"I'm very excited about my new job and am looking forward to the very different challenges that working with such a large and diverse local authority will bring.

"I am in no doubt that the knowledge and experience I have gained during the last two years in the city, including working alongside colleagues in children's services and across the wider partnership, will stand me in very good stead for my new role."

Pauline Newman, in charge of the department, said: "I have very much enjoyed working alongside John.

“He brought a wealth of experience and strong commitment to the city and has made a significant contribution to the outcomes we have achieved. "I wish him every success in his new job."