A new multi-academy trust has been formed between six Dereham area schools to create a 'unity of purpose' to help improve standards, while maintaining each school's ethos, philosophy and community focus.
As of March 1 the Unity Education Trust was formed incorporating Northgate High School, Dereham Sixth Form College, Grove House Infant & Nursery School, Kings Park Infant School, Beeston Primary School and Garvestone Primary School.
All the schools successfully converted to academies and, at the same time, jointly formed the new multi-academy trust.
The announcement comes as fellow Dereham high school, the Neatherd, said it had also formed the Mid Norfolk Academy Trust on March 1. Neatherd High School is currently the only school in the trust but said its trustees were in discussion with other local schools.
A letter to parents from Northgate's headteacher and chief executive officer Glyn Hambling, and chair of trustees Alan Jones said their group of six schools had a long history of working closely together.
'We are keen to build on this to ensure we continue to provide all our children with the very best education,' they said.
'Unity Education Trust (UET) is dedicated to developing like-minded schools to be outstanding through collaborative working and a unity of purpose in all we do.
'The Trust will set high expectations in every aspect of our work, providing pupils with the best opportunities through outstanding teaching, the development of 21st century facilities, inspirational leadership and a growth mind-set approach.
'We will ensure that each of our academies maintain their unique identities at the heart of their communities as well as engaging with all partners and stakeholders and other high performing educational organisations.'
The letter also told parents that while there would be some new central structures there would be little change for them and the pupils within the business of day-to-day learning but they saw conversion as part of the 'continual evolution of education in our county and surrounding communities'.
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