One of Norwich's most prominent schools has formally become an academy as the new academic year gets underway.

One of Norfolk's most prominent schools has formally become an academy as the new academic year gets under way.

City of Norwich School, which was founded in 1910, announced in April its third application to become an academy, a state-funded school outside the local authority's realm, seeking to join the Ormiston Academies Trust group of academies.

In a letter due to be sent to parents at the start of term, Toby Salt, chief executive of Ormiston, said: 'Every school and community is unique, so we do not impose a 'one size fits all' approach to teaching and learning. CNS will respond to the unique needs of its students and your community.'

The school will change its name to City of Norwich School, An Ormiston Academy, and new signage has been installed.

Other academies within the Ormiston Academies Trust include Ormiston Victory Academy, in Costessey, and Ormiston Venture Academy, in Gorleston, both rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted. In January, Cliff Park High in Gorleston became Cliff Park Ormiston Academy.

Ofsted inspectors judged that CNS 'requires improvement' in April 2013, and wrote: 'Progress and achievement are not good enough for the students who are supported by the pupil premium funding, those who start school with lower levels of attainment, or students with disabilities and/or special educational needs.'

Headteacher Jim Nixon said: 'Joining the Ormiston Academies Trust will give us the extra support we need to drive the school even further in terms of providing outstanding education for our pupils. We will be able to share best practice and collaborate with other Ormiston Schools which I believe is vital in the current educational climate. Our values remain the same and the name has changed only slightly.'

This summer, CNS reported the proportion of pupils gaining at least five GCSEs at A*-C, including English and maths, rose from 58pc to 65pc.

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