Debbie Francis, Chair of Cumbria Education Trust Board, said:

“Cumbria Education Trust (CET) has been actively working with all parties with the aim of rebrokering The Whitehaven Academy from Bright Tribe Trust to CET on 1 November 2018. There have been a number of complex areas to work through and despite the best efforts of all involved, that has meant that the transfer to CET will not happen on 1 November 2018.”

“However, CET remains absolutely committed to The Whitehaven Academy. We have been working in The Whitehaven Academy through a Service Level Agreement (SLA) since 1 September, with some operational responsibility and helping with the day-to-day running of the school. This has proved to be a positive step forward as it has enabled CET to have some input at TWA from the start of the academic year.”

“We will continue to work in the school through the SLA, and all parties are aiming for a transfer as soon as possible.”

“We would like to thank The Whitehaven Academy staff, students and parents for their support during this transitional period.”