The College of Teaching, the new independent chartered professional body for the profession, has appointed 13 founding trustees.

The trustees – who comprise 5 classroom teachers, 3 headteachers from community, academy and special schools, and 5 non-teaching professionals – have been chosen to oversee the establishment of the new college and to encourage teachers to get behind it.

Hundreds of individuals applied for the voluntary roles but only 13 were chosen to make sure the charity is running well and doing what it was set up to do.

The College of Teaching has also launched a new crowdfunding platform. Seeking to raise £250,000, individuals and organisations are being encouraged to give small, yet valuable, donations as part of a recognition scheme that gives them the opportunity to become a Founding Supporter of the College. Pledges will only be taken through crowdfunding if the target is reached.