THE Bishop of Berwick has backed Whitfield Primary’s future as a Church of England academy.

The school has performed a remarkable turnaround after receiving seven damning Ofsted reports between May 2014 and February 2016.

But following a community campaign to save the school, it will become an academy under the direction of the Cumbrian-based Good Shepherd multi-academy trust, on September 1.

The school will retain its long-established links with the Diocese of Newcastle, but its academy status will also see Whitfield work with the Carlisle Diocese.

The Rt Rev. Mark Tanner visited the school last week by pupils, who gave him a guided tour.

Chairman of governors Amanda Stembridge said Bishop Mark visited to offer the church’s backing for Whitfield’s academy conversion.