A Carlisle academy hopes to continue its upward trend with the appointment of a new chair of governors.

Morton Academy’s local governing body has appointed a new chair after Nigel Robson decided to step down after six years in the role.

Mr Robson, who had been the chair at the academy since April 2014 when United Learning took over as the academy's sponsors, has now left his position.

His six years as chair of the governors saw the academy achieve a good rating from Ofsted which is now progressing to outstanding thanks to hard work behind the scenes.

The academy has also become the school of choice in its community, as shown by the fact that it has been oversubscribed two years on the run.

It has now been confirmed that the academy has appointed Sue Hatt as the new chair of the academy's governors, having been a member of the body for some time.

It is hoped that she will bring a sharp focus to the academy's continuing drive to make Morton a great school for the children it serves.

Richard McGuire, the academy's principal, said “I am so grateful to Nigel’s support and dedication over the last six years which has helped us become the school we are today.

"I wish Nigel all the best spending time with his growing family and enjoying more time in Italy.

"We are lucky that Sue has been appointed as the incoming chair, as she brings with her a wealth of educational expertise and experience."

Mr McGuire was appointed as the Wigton Road school's leader in 2018.