THE trust which could take over a failing school and turn it into an academy in the coming months has been revealed.

Wigan-based Rowan Learning Trust, which already runs four schools, has been chosen as the preferred sponsor to take over Prestwich Arts College.

The comprehensive secondary school, which is currently under the council's control, is being forced by the government to become an academy after it was rated inadequate by national watchdog Ofsted.

Now that the multi-academy trust has been chosen by the panel of headteachers under the regional schools commissioner, the lengthy academisation process begins.

But chair of governors, Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, has revealed that the handover could be complete by the end of the academic year.

He said the governors have no choice in the matter and are bound by a duty to cooperate.

The Prestwich councillor has been told that the process could be finalised by spring.

Anti-academy campaigners, led by 16-year-old former pupil Josh Harcup, remain opposed to the change.

He said: "Until the final document is signed to academise Prestwich Arts College, this is not over."