KESWICK School has been selected to raise standards and train teachers across Cumbria.

It is the top performing non-selective school in the county and will take over as lead school and the designation by the National College for Teaching and Leadership gives it the autonomy to lead a group of schools to deliver high quality support and training.

Keswick School is part of the Western Lakes Teaching School Alliance and will take over as lead school from Bridekirk Dovenby Primary School, near Cockermouth, whose headteacher, Helen Tinnion, is retiring.

The alliance also includes St Patrick's Primary School in Workington, Mayfield School in Whitehaven, Cockermouth School and a large number of partners.

Over the last three years the alliance has worked with educational providers and its successes include the expansion of teacher training and newly qualified teacher induction programmes, and the professional development and support available across both primary and secondary sectors.

Further expansion is planned for over next year.

Simon Jackson, Keswick School's headteacher, said: "I’m delighted that the Keswick School has been recognised as a National Teaching School.

"Our track record of raising standards and school-to-school support will hopefully bring further benefits to schools across Cumbria.

"We want to find and develop the next generation of outstanding teachers and give them the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the profession."