A growing Gorleston primary school has converted to academy status with a special ceremony to celebrate the change and unveil its new sign.

Peterhouse Primary School is the latest to join The Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, an academy chain which is set to comprise 18 schools across the county by July.

Headteacher Martin Scott said joining the trust would bring 'safety in numbers' as schools worked together sharing good practice and ideas.

The 370-pupil school officially made the switch on Monday in a service lead by Rev Linda Ricketts.

Students will see no major changes other than a new name Peterhouse Church of England Primary Academy, with the main transformations taking place behind the scenes.

Mr Scott said: 'It was a voluntary choice. We changed in 2013 from a county school to a Church of England voluntary aided school. But we felt it was the right time to take that step into academisation bearing in mind that it is a government drive.

'Being already under the Church of England umbrella the trust seemed to offer the best of everything.

'It is that safety in numbers because there are going to be about 18 across the county in July. There is a lot of co-operation between schools and we have already benefited from that as a voluntary aided school. It is really giving everyone the opportunity to share practice and ideas.'

In 2013 the school was graded by Ofsted as 'requires improvement'. However it was classed as 'good' overall with some 'outstanding' features by the diocese's own audit.

Mr Scott, who has been head since 2009, said that although there was no pressure to convert the school he felt the time was right, a decision supported by parents. There are no plans to change the uniform or extend the school day.

'Children should have quality time with their parents. After school time is short enough as it is, especially for younger children,' he added.

'We are really excited. In the back office there is massive changes in terms of how we have to deal with things. But the spin-offs are being part of that bigger family and sharing and growing.'

The pupil population is expected to rise to 420 by September 2016.

The Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust was formed in response to ministerial expectations that schools deemed failing by Ofsted become sponsored academies. Its first academy was Moorlands Primary in Belton.

Previously Andy Mash, director of education for the diocese, said the trust was based upon being there for 'good' or 'outstanding' schools too offering opportunity, access and 'belonging' for all.