THE Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) is to make a second attempt to appoint a new chief executive.
The council had advertised for the post of chief executive to appoint a replacement following Jim Clarke's decision to retire this year.
The position, which comes with a salary of up to £87,662, is a "challenging high profile leadership opportunity", according to CCMS.
CCMS was established as an upper tier of management for Catholic schools in 1989 in response to concerns about underachievement.
It has responsibilities including raising standards and the employment of teachers.
A spokeswoman said the council had so far been unable to appoint Mr Clarke's successor.
"We can confirm that the panel did not progress this trawl beyond the first stage as it wished to consider a wider range of applicants," she said.
"The post will, therefore, be re-advertised in the coming weeks. In order to provide continuity for the organisation and the catholic maintained sector, Jim has kindly agreed to remain in post until a successor is appointed.
"CCMS would encourage applications for this influential and rewarding position from those who have strategic vision and a passion for education and who could bring their skills, knowledge and experience to this challenging role."
