BRIGHT Tribe has insisted its long-awaited takeover at Haydon Bridge High School will be rubber-stamped soon.

But the Cheshire-based trust did not provide a completion date for the school’s proposed academy conversion.

A spokeswoman for the multi-academy trust said: “Bright Tribe is committed to improving education at Haydon Bridge High School.

“At this time we are unable to give a firm date for transfer and are working closely with the Department for Education and the Regional Schools Commissioner to ensure the transition takes place as soon as possible.”

Uncertainty has surrounded Haydon Bridge High since it was placed in special measures following a damning Ofsted report in 2015.

Its proposed academy conversion, under the auspices of Bright Tribe, has become one of the most protracted on record.

Despite the bureaucratic delays which have held up the process, Bright Tribe has had a presence at the school for over a year, with staff appointed by the trust to provide leadership and support.

The spokeswoman added that successful funding applications by Bright Tribe will lead to improvements to the cosmetic appearance of the school.