The future of a secondary school in north Norfolk has been assured following a rise in the school roll.

Cromer Academy principal Dr Geoff Baker made the announcement in his address to members of Cromer Town Council at their meeting in North Lodge last night (Monday).

He revealed that the school roll had dropped to 407 pupils – just seven more than was needed to make it viable - after it lost pupils to neighbouring schools.

But, this year that number had jumped to 470 pupils and next year it is set to further increase to 530 pupils as it continues to attract new and returning pupils, including one from as far afield as Worstead.

Dr Baker said: 'It completely shores up the future of Cromer Academy if these numbers keep up.'

The principal pointed to improved attendance and exam results as potential reasons for the turnaround in the school's fortunes.

And, while there has been a huge rise in the number of children expelled from schools across Norfolk, Cromer Academy confirmed it has gone more than a year without a single permanent or fixed term exclusion.

Dr Baker added: 'We've had over £1 million of investment and it's a completely different school. Looking ahead, we're breaking every local and national trend that exists.'

The town council heard the school's new canteen is due to open in March.

Meanwhile, ties are set to be made compulsory for girls at Cromer Academy from the New Year.

Dr Baker revealed he was approached by 'a group of feminists' who claimed it was sexist that only boys were allowed to wear them.

And, after girls voted overwhelmingly in favour of a tie, he confirmed they are to be made a standard part of the school uniform from January.