A SCHOOL is on course to turn around its fortunes and become a sponsored academy this year.

Whitfield Primary School was placed in special measures three years ago, and received seven damning Ofsted reports between May 2014 and February 2016.

But following a community effort to save the historic Church of England school last year, the Cumbrian-based Good Shepherd multi-academy was lined up as main sponsor.

It is hoped the conversion process will be completed before the start of the next academic year in September.

Since the beginning of March, school improvement specialists appointed by the Good Shepherd Trust have been meeting staff and governors at the school to oversee the conversion process, and also press ahead with a long-term improvement plan.

Wylam-based Claire Render, who is headteacher at Wreay C of E School in Cumbria, has been visiting Whitfield with Rob Blake, headteacher of another Cumbrian school, Ireby Primary.

The Good Shepherd Trust, which already runs five schools, is planning to introduce new resources and facilities at Whitfield.

These include a focus on outdoor learning, building on existing community links and the construction of a new extension at the 250-year-old school to accommodate a nursery for pre-school children, set to open in September.

Chairman of governors Amanda Stembridge said there was demand for a pre-school in the area.

She added: “The hard work has started to pay off and things are really beginning to look up for the school and its children.

“We now have three years to really embed the changes afforded to us from the Good Shepherd Trust’s sponsorship before our next Ofsted inspection, and we feel overwhelmingly positive and excited about the future.”

The Good Shepherd Trust’s acting chief executive Michael Mill said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the school and its committed governing body.

“The support we are providing through Claire and Rob will have an immediate impact on the school and we would encourage parents and carers to visit the school and see the plans that we have for the future.”

Prospective families can visit the school next Friday, March 31, from 10am to 12.30pm, where a wide range of outdoor activities are planned.