John Weston is to be promoted to chairman of Ufi Charitable Trust and Ufi Limited.

Mr Weston has been Ufi's vice-chairman since December 2003.

He will take over the role at the end of June succeeding Sir Anthony Greener who was appointed as the Chairman of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in March.

Making the appointment Education Secreatry Charles Clarke said he was grateful for the contribution Mr Weston had already made to Ufi.

"I look forward to working with him to ensure that Ufi continues to play a key role in supporting the Department’s policies on lifelong learning,” he said.

Mr Clarke also thanked Sir Anthony Greener for his four years as chairman, which he described as "pivotal in establishing Ufi as a key deliverer of e-learning".