The biggest primary school academy chain in England is set to expand into our region.

Reach2 currently runs 34 primaries, in areas including Essex, Kent, Staffordshire and Warwickshire, but six schools in Suffolk, including four in Waveney, are among another 12 that ministers have given it permission to take over.

The Waveney schools are: Meadow Primary, Northfield St Nicholas Primary, Crowfoot Primary School, and St Margaret's Primary.

Three currently have a judgment of 'requires improvement' from school inspectorate Ofsted, with Northfield graded 'good'.

As academies, they will be accountable to their sponsor rather than Suffolk County Council.

A Reach2 spokeswoman said: 'We are delighted that six local primary schools have joined the Reach2 family.

'As an organisation, we are committed to school improvement and are passionate about going the extra mile for all our children. Reach2 is all about delivering exceptional education and offering a richness of experience that gives real colour throughout the time our children spend with us.'

Lisa Chambers, county council cabinet member for education, said: 'Our number one priority is to ensure all Suffolk children, wherever they attend school, have access to a good education.

'We will continue to work closely with all academy schools as part of our shared ambition to see Suffolk's school hildren receive the best possible education.'

Do you have an education story? Email martin.george@archant.co.uk