A SCHOOL in Chardstock has joined forces with three other schools to create the Acorn Multi Academy Trust.

At Andrew's Chardstock, Mrs Ethelston's Uplyme, Axminster Community Primary School and Marshwood Primary School have converted to academies.

Andrea Rice, executive headteacher and ceo of the 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.”