Netherhall School in Maryport is being given a helping hand for this term.

Ullswater College’s deputy head, George McWilliams, has been seconded to the school.

Netherhall head David Tromans has appointed his former colleague to “increase leadership capacity” in the school as it strives to come out of special measures.

Netherhall was placed in special measures after an Ofsted report earlier this year.

The report came only months after Mr Tromans, also from Ullswater Community College, was appointed.

Ofsted inspectors recognised the efforts he was making to steer the school in the right direction.

Mr McWilliams said he would be in Maryport for this term at least and saw his role as supporting Mr Tromans and the leadership team at the school.

He added: “We have worked together in the past and we both share the ideal that anything less than the best is not suitable for our students.”

He said first impressions have led him to believe that Netherhall is a brilliant school.

He has been impressed by the staff and students and firmly believes the school will climb out of special measures but warned that it might take time.

He added: “We have to show a rapid and sustained improvement. I believe the Ofsted inspectors understood that this was what the head was looking to do. But it takes time.

“Ofsted will be looking for something approaching excellence before it is even likely to name the school as good.”