The government has today approved a bid by one of Norfolk's biggest secondary schools to become an academy.

It represents third time lucky for City of Norwich School, which was last year rated 'requires improvement' by Ofsted.

Its previous attempts to become a stand-alone academy were rejected in part because of its poor Ofsted grade.

The school has chosen to become a member of the Ormiston Academies Trust, a nation-wide group whose other local schools include Ormiston Victory Academy in Costessey, and Ormiston Venture Academy in Gorleston, both of which were last year given Ofsted's top 'outstanding' rating.

Headteacher Jim Nixon said the school has considered all options to improve the school, including being a stand-alone academy or joining a local or national academy trust, or becoming a co-operative trust.

Three academy trusts, one national and two local, were short-listed to become the sponsor of CNS.

Mr Nixon said: 'I have no doubt that the way forward for CNS is to work in a family of schools that is nationally-based so we can share ideas, and support each other.'

There will now be a consultation with parents and other interested parties.