THE deputy headteacher of a Prudhoe school will now act as head.

It comes after former leader Carrie Hodgson announced she was resigning from Prudhoe West Academy after a 'difficult time'.

Michelle Brewster will now lead the WISE Academies school as pupils return to the classroom following the Christmas break.

In a letter seen by the Courant, Mrs Hodsgon said: "After much thought, and a difficult time personally, I have decided that the time is right for me to resign from my position at Prudhoe West and open a new chapter in my life.

"This has been a really difficult decision for me, but I know it is for the best for my family and I.

"I would like to thank the children, parents, staff of Prudhoe West, and the wider school community for the wonderful memories that you have given me during my time at the school.

"I am exceptionally proud to have had the privilege to be part of the leadership team of the school for the past 15 years and for all that has been achieved.

"I am certain the school will go on to gain further success in the future and the positive recognition it rightly deserves.

"I would also like to thank my colleagues from WISE Academies for the support they have given me over the years and again, wish them every success moving forward."

The reshuffle comes as teaching vacancies on TeachVac increased from 64,283 in 2021 to 107,104 last year across England as The Association of School and College Leaders warns there is a "crisis" of teacher shortages due to increasing recruitment and retention pressures following the Covid pandemic.

Teaching vacancies advertised by primary and secondary schools across Northumberland rose by 71 per cent this year from 174 posts to 298. Of these, 67 were in primary schools and 231 in secondary schools.

The only vacancy currently still advertised is for an assistant headteacher at Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham.

Schools North East network said that schools across the region were reporting increased staff absences and struggles accessing supply staff amid increasing workload.