COUNCIL chiefs have launched a second bid to stop Bright Tribe taking over Haydon Bridge High School.

The multi-academy trust was expected to be confirmed as main sponsor this summer, ending more than two years of uncertainty for a school which has been in special measures since February 2015.

But with just days to go before pupils return for the new term on Tuesday, the Cheshire-based trust has still not been officially confirmed as main sponsor.

Now it is understood that Northumberland County Council, which failed with an ambitious proposal last December to close Haydon Bridge High and build a new ‘super’ school in Hexham, has come up with another plan.

The authority had previously voiced concerns about the suitability of Bright Tribe, which presides over the Whitehaven Academy in Cumbria – placed in special measures last year.

It has also grown frustrated over Bright Tribe’s takeover at Haydon Bridge, which has been held up by two years of bureaucratic delays, and is the most protracted on record.

It is understood that the council will now push the Government to remove Bright Tribe, in favour of a different academy option for Haydon Bridge.

Meetings are ongoing behind the scenes involving the Regional Schools Commissioner Janet Renou, and education minister Lord Nash.

A spokesman for the county council said: “The local authority continues to work with all involved for the benefit of the children attending the school.”

Despite the hold-up with Bright Tribe’s takeover, the trust has had a significant presence at the school for over a year.

In April, Bright Tribe appointed Darren Glover as principal to head a new look senior management team, alongside deputy principal Helen McCormick and assistant principal Helen Jackson, with support from regional executive principal, Dr Judith Greene.

In May, Ofsted inspectors praised rapid improvements made at Haydon Bridge by Mr Glover and his team.

Bright Tribe was unavailable for comment.