TWO Tynedale church schools will begin the new term without their suspended headteacher Cath Newson.

The Diocese of Newcastle confirmed back in July that Mrs Newson was absent from her joint roles at Newbrough Primary, and Humshaugh First School.

This week, diocese spokesman Martin Sheppard said an investigation into an alleged incident at the Newbrough school, outside of school hours, on Saturday May 21, was ongoing.

Mr Sheppard confirmed that temporary leadership arrangements at both schools, which were put in place before the summer holidays, will remain in place.

It means deputy headteacher Jo Trotter will continue to cover Mrs Newson's duties at Newbrough, with Jude Long serving as acting headteacher at Humshaugh.

Mrs Newson has enjoyed a successful time at the helm of the two schools.

In late 2014, she oversaw Newbrough's transition from a first school to a primary.

In March the following year, both Newbrough and Humshaugh were judged 'good' by Ofsted inspectors.

A month later, both schools were praised for their performance by the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools.

Meanwhile, Haydon Bridge High School and Haltwhistle Community Campus are set to start the new term under the auspices of the multi-academy trust Bright Tribe.

Both schools were placed in special measures in 2015, following damning Ofsted reports.

Dr Judith Greene has been confirmed as executive headteacher to preside over Haydon Bridge High, and Haltwhistle's upper and lower schools.

Two 'head of school' appointments are set to be announced by Bright Tribe, which is also set to introduce new leadership, teaching, support and admin staff at Haydon Bridge.

In July, Ofsted acknowledged that improvements were beginning to gather place at Haydon Bridge High.

Following an monitoring inspection, Ofsted praised the work of interim principal Matt Percival, who was appointed by Bright Tribe to work alongside acting head Helen McCormick, at Easter.