Plans have been announced for a new school, as it was confirmed that Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary is to become an academy.

The North East Learning Trust (NELT) is now sponsoring the village school, which will be known as Middleton-in-Teesdale Academy. 

Nearby secondary, Teesdale School and Sixth Form, is also part of NELT.

The trust said a new state of the art, eco-friendly school will be built on the existing Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary site, with funding now agreed from the Department for Education and Durham County Council.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School is to become an academy - and get a new school building

Headteacher Catherine Harris said: “Since joining Middleton-in-Teesdale Academy I have loved getting to know everyone and become part of this close community – I really believe we have something special here and the double breakthrough of becoming an academy with NELT and getting an amazing new-build school will really give us the boost we need to reach our full potential.”

Lesley Powell, chief executive officer of NELT, added: “We are delighted to welcome Middleton-in-Teesdale to our growing trust and support them to make rapid improvements over the coming months. The new school will create a fantastic environment that will encourage students to thrive academically, socially, and environmentally."

NELT, founded in 2015, is based at The Academy at Shotton Hall, Peterlee, and includes a dozen schools across County Durham and south Northumberland.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School is to become an academy - and get a new school building

Cllr Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We want all of our children and young people to have the best possible start in life and this new school will provide children and staff with a modern and inspirational learning environment.

"It will also be a fantastic investment in the future of the Middleton-in-Teesdale community and I’m sure it will be welcomed by local people.”

Maggie Saxton, chair of NELT, added: “I look forward to working with staff, pupils and the local community to help the school prosper as it embarks on this exciting new chapter.”