Four local schools have joined together to create the new Acorn Multi Academy Trust.

Marshwood Primary School, Mrs Ethelston’s school in Uplyme, St Andrew’s School in Chardstock and Axminster Community Primary School and have converted to academies and will form The Acorn Multi Academy Trust which came into effect on November 1.

The schools will leave their respective local authorities, Devon and Dorset, to become a free standing group of schools directly funded from central government.

Representatives of local people will be directly responsible for the quality and development of the education of local children. Whilst the four schools will operate under the umbrella of the Acorn Academy Trust, each will maintain its own distinctive ethos and the parents are reassured that the identity of the three Church of England schools and the one community school will be carefully preserved through the oversight of their individual governing bodies.

Andrea Rice, Executive Headteacher and CEO of the Multi Academy Trust, said: “Since the Federation of Mrs Ethelston's and St Andrew's, we have seen standards continue to improve significantly, and this year both schools have achieved well above the national averages in reading, writing and maths.

“We have also been able to provide extra opportunities for the children through specialist teaching in areas such as art, music, philosophy, German and Forest Schools.

“The Acorn Multi Academy Trust will give us even more opportunities to improve outcomes for children in all areas of school life by working with a wider group of schools with a similar ethos.”

This opportunity brings the four schools into a highly effective, close knit, educational organisation which brings enjoyment and success for the pupils and satisfaction and professional development for all the staff.

Tony Harvell, Headteacher of Axminster Community Primary said: “We want to be recognised as outstanding in all of our teaching and learning.

“This is why we are joining with colleagues at Mrs Ethelston's, St Andrew's and Marshwood to form the Acorn Multi Academy Trust where excellence will be the main driver.”