Despite sweeping the boards at the Baftas on Sunday and being hotly tipped for Academy Awards success, Mr Swain said The King's Speech relied heavily on the goodwill of all those involved.

BBC: King's Speech voice coach 'proud' of Firth's stammer

The independent King's School in Tynemouth wants to become an academy in September 2013, along with neighbouring Priory Primary School.

BBC: The King's School to merge with state-funded primary

The King's Speech picked up four Oscars at the 83rd Academy Awards, including best picture, best actor, best original screenplay and best director.

BBC: Oscar TV ratings drop by 10% in US