The man who shaped Kent's school system has stepped down from his role at Kent County Council.

Graham Badman is retiring after seven years at the head of KCC's education. His role had recently been expanded to include children's services, including care and social services.

He will leave his post at the end of November.

It comes a week after the resignation of the cabinet member in charge of children's services, Cllr Chris Wells (Con).

His departure, along with that of fellow cabinet member Cllr Roger Gough (Con), prompted a reshuffle of KCC's top jobs by leader Cllr Paul Carter (Con).

In a week of high-level resignations, the council also lost Adam Wilkinson, its managing director of environment and regeneration.

Mr Badman had a 40-year career in education.

During his time at KCC he took the county into the top 25 per cent of the country for school results.

When his role was expanded, he oversaw the creation of the Kent Children's Trust.

Tributes

Cllr Paul Carter, KCC’s leader said: "Graham will be greatly missed. Kent has benefited from Graham’s strong leadership and clear strategy for all phases of education."

Peter Gilroy, chief executive of KCC said: "Graham has overseen the transformation of education in Kent and has set the scene for improved services for all children in the future."

Ian Barham, headteacher at Sittingbourne Community College and chairman of the Secondary Forum, said: "Graham has been both an inspirational and transformational leader for education and young people. In Kent this vision and leadership has produced a transformation of standards in schools in terms of educational outcomes, buildings, facilities and extended opportunities for young people."