A Worcestershire school has joined a multi-academy trust.

The Chantry School in Martley is now part of the Heart of Mercia Multi-Academy Trust.

John Kyrle High School (JKHS) in Ross-on-Wye is also joining the trust, which already includes Worcester Sixth Form College, Hereford Sixth Form College and King Edward VI College in Stourbridge.

The Chantry School and JKHS officially became members on September 1.

Andrew Dickenson, headteacher at the Chantry School, said: “The Chantry School are delighted to be joining the Heart of Mercia at this exciting stage in their development as they begin working with secondary partners.

“A large number of our pupils transfer every year to each of the three sixth-form colleges within the trust.

“We look forward to closer working with colleagues at the colleges, in particular developing teaching and learning opportunities and mutual support.

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“This will enhance provision for young people who study across the Heart of Mercia’s schools and colleges.” 

Julian Morgan, headteacher at JKHS, said: “Having worked with the Heart of Mercia during the last academic year, we can already see the benefits of collaborative working.

“The students of John Kyrle are going to benefit from working with a wider family and we're looking forward to a bright future.”

Peter Cooper, Heart of Mercia CEO, said: “Our main success as a trust derives from the strength of our academies and the staff in them and I am delighted to officially welcome both The Chantry School and John Kyrle High School to the fold.

“As a Trust we have been working collaboratively with these well-established and successful schools over the past year and I am pleased that we can now continue to develop our relationship as one entity. 

“I have a great sense of pride leading the Trust into this new phase as we continue to make a real difference to those students whose lives we help to shape and develop.

“Recent inspections of our academies not only demonstrate our high expectations in ensuring our young people achieve excellent results, but are also testament to the passion and enthusiasm of our teachers and support staff.

“I know that this passion and enthusiasm is shared by colleagues in the schools and that we are better together.”