Struggling schools will be able to turn to a Cumbrian academy for help after it was handed a national role.

Egremont's West Lakes Academy has been chosen as a teaching school while principal Jonathan Johnson is now a leader of education.

This means academy staff can use their knowledge and experience to support other schools, especially those in challenging circumstances.

"We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded teaching school status," said Jonathan Johnson, who is also chief executive at the academy.

"This is an exciting journey for West Lakes Academy and we are very proud of this fantastic achievement."

Mr Johnson is one of about 75 headteachers to be appointed to the role of national leader of education. While the academy is one of about 65 schools selected as a teaching school.

He added: "Becoming a teaching school not only recognises the skills of our staff, the support of our governors and sponsors, our innovative practice and our commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues, it also allows us the opportunity to continue to shape professional development opportunities whilst enhancing teaching and learning for all students."

Introduced in 2011, teaching schools work with partner schools to provide teacher training and professional development opportunities.

They raise standards through supporting other schools, especially those in challenging circumstances, and ensure that the most talented school leaders are spotted and supported to become successful headteachers.

Roger Pope, chairman of the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL), said: "I'd like to congratulate West Lakes Academy and Jonathan Johnson on being appointed as a teaching school and a national leader of education.

"They should be very proud of this achievement. Teaching schools and national leaders of education are at the heart of school improvement.

"They're supporting other schools, attracting and training the best new teachers and developing the next generation of leaders."

The successful headteachers have been invited to attend an induction event.