Hobart High School has announced that the government has approved to plans to set up a new trust to sponsor other academies.

The school became an academy in February 2013, leaving the sphere of Norfolk County Council and becoming directly accountable to the Department for Education.

Now, it has joined the growing number of Norfolk academies such as Reepham High, Wymondham College and Hellesdon High, that are taking a step further, and setting up their own multi-academy trusts, which other academies can join.

Headteacher Jim Adams said: 'We believe that this is an exciting new chapter in the history of Hobart High School and we are optimistic that even greater success lies ahead for Hobart High School, its students and our partners.'

In a letter to parents, he said the move would not change the day-to-day running of the school.

He said: 'The reason we are taking this step is so we can work with other schools in order to raise standards for the young people in our community.

'There are a number of advantages of working in this way, both educationally and financially.

'Our primary driver is that of raising standards in teaching and learning.'

Hobart's decision comes as the government pushes for all schools to become academies by 2022 - although it has backtracked on plans to force all schools to convert by that deadline.

Increasing the number of high-quality academy trusts has been a key priority for the government as the number of academies increases, and Hobart was rated 'good' is all areas after its last Ofsted inspection, in June 2013.

Mr Adams told parents that forming an academy trust would allow school leaders and staff to share thinking and tackle challenges together, sharing professional development and training, and saving money when all the schools buying services together.

He added that the school does not yet have any schools lined up to join the new trust, but said 'we will continue to explore how we can work in partnership'.