HALTWHISTLE’S two schools will return to their first and middle school titles in a move which will retain three-tier education in South Tynedale.

The traditional first and middle schools joined together as part a federation almost a decade ago, which saw them re-branded as Haltwhistle Community Campus’ lower and upper schools.

But earlier this summer, multi-academy trust Bright Tribe completed its take over of the campus, which has been an academy since 2013.

And the Cheshire-based trust has wasted no time in announcing that the upper and lower schools will return to their former, first and middle school titles, from September.

Pupils attending the newly-renamed Haltwhistle first and middle schools will continue to feed into Haydon Bridge High School, which is expected to be confirmed as a Bright Tribe academy in September.

Executive principal Dr Judith Greene said: “The return to the old first and middle school titles reflect the schools' long standing tradition of providing a three-tier education system which we believe fits the individual circumstances of Haltwhistle schools, and provides a smaller, friendly environment for younger pupils.”

The move was in stark contrast to other educational developments elsewhere in Tynedale, which could lead to a two-tier system across the Hexham partnership of schools.

Last month, the Hadrian Learning Trust revealed a plan for Hexham Middle School, and the town’s Queen Elizabeth High School, to become a single 11-18 offering, which would affect feeder schools.

Haltwhistle is part of the Haydon Bridge Partnership, which has been a mixture of a two and three tier system for the past four years.

Following the closure of Allendale Middle School in 2013, six first schools in the partnership upgraded to primary school status.

Bright Tribe has also announced that a new logo has been introduced for the two Haltwhistle schools, and Haydon Bridge High.

Designed by pupils, the embroidered logo will feature Sycamore Gap, the iconic location on Hadrian’s Wall, between Haltwhistle and Haydon Bridge; and a bridge to represent famous river crossings in both communities.

* For a full analysis of changes to Tynedale's schools, pick up the latest edition of the Hexham Courant .