HOLYROOD Academy have announced a new partnership starting in Easter with Axe Valley Community College.

Holyrood and Axe Valley are among a number of schools choosing to combine their strengths and experience.

Under the leadership of Martin Brook as executive head teacher, both schools will work closely to achieve a shared vision of educational excellence while retaining each school’s distinctive character.

Mr Brook said: “This is an amazing opportunity for both schools to work collaboratively for the greater good of both sets of students.

"I have great confidence in the staff to make this work and believe that this partnership will establish the Holyrood Trust as a leading education provider in the region.

"I would also like to thank the Governing Bodies of both schools for having the vision and belief that such a forward-looking partnership could happen in this way.

"We look forward to exciting times ahead."

A spokesperson for the school said: "One of the strengths of the partnership is the many similarities shared between the two schools, such as academic profile of the pupils, the rural context and smaller-than-average sixth form centres.

"Students will see a wider range of learning opportunities, courses and resources available to them.

"Staff will benefit from a greater number of training events and be able learn from best practice in both schools.

"And for parents and the wider community, the new partnership will provide stability for both schools, as together they will have greater capacity to provide outstanding education for Chard and Axminster."

By 2020, the government expects all schools to be part of an academy partnership.

This management partnership will run up to 31st December 2016, during which both schools will work towards creating a long-term partnership around a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) model.

Mr Brook added: “I am pleased to confirm the appointment of Mr Matt Collins as Head of School at Holyrood.

"I have every confidence that he will ensure there are no significant changes to the way Holyrood operates on a day-to-day basis and that he is committed to ensuring the continued development of the Academy.”

Mr Collins said: “I am really excited and proud to have the opportunity to take up the challenge of continuing to raise standards and provide a high quality educational experience for all students at Holyrood Academy.

"The partnership with Axe Valley affords huge potential for us to work together to provide new opportunities for all.”