Cromer Academy's governors have voted 'overwhelmingly' to become part of the new Inspiration Trust cluster of Norfolk schools.

Chairman of governors David Fincham said the decision, taken at a meeting on Wednesday night, represented another milestone in the academy's bid to gain 'outstanding' status from Ofsted.

From September the 453-pupil school will join other trust members - Larkman Primary School, in Norwich, Great Yarmouth Primary Academy, and the planned new Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form Free School, due to open in Norwich later this year. The trust's chief executive is Rachel de Souza, former principal of the Ormiston Victory Academy, in Costessey.

Mr Fincham said he was excited at the prospect. Joining the trust would give the academy access to new expertise, opportunities and funding for projects.

'Being a relatively small school brings distinct benefits and yet if we remain entirely independent we will struggle to attract the levels of resources we really need to flourish in the future and offer our pupils what they deserve,' he added.

Headteacher Penny Bignell said she felt 'really positive' about the decision.

As a founder member of the trust, the academy would be able to influence its development.

It would become part of a like-minded family, able to share and implement ideas, offer a wider range of subjects and improve students' prospects for further and higher education, and for their future careers.

It would also create the potential for Cromer to offer post-16 courses, which were limited outside Norwich.

The new trust would include a chairman of governors' forum, and a principals' group.

The academy would keep its own governing body whose members would continue to be responsible for overseeing the running and management of the school.