A NEW headteacher has been appointed at a once struggling school after the former leader stepped down in December.

Michael Smith, formerly of Prudhoe Community High School, replaces Darren Glover as head of Haydon Bridge High School.

On the appointment, executive director for adult and children's services at Northumberland County Council Cath McEvoy-Carr said: "We are pleased to welcome Mr Michael Smith to Haydon Bridge High School. Michael was previously deputy headteacher at Prudhoe Community High School.

"He comes to join and lead an already well-established leadership team at Haydon Bridge High School and with his wealth of knowledge and experience, we have every faith that he will continue to take the school forward following its extensive redevelopment, ensuring all students have access to excellent learning opportunities."

Former headteacher Darren Glover was widely praised with 'saving' the school after it was threatened with closure.

He joined in 2017, vowing to drive up educational attainment and to help every child realise their full potential.

The school had previously been marred by 'Inadequate' Ofsted ratings and complications surrounding the Bright Tribe academy trust chain.