A NEW academy trust has agreed to sponsor Grays School after it decided to break away from the local authority.

The Academy Transformation Trust, based in Birming-ham and part of the Transformation Trust set up by Sir David Bell, will sponsor the school as an academy in a bid for it to become “outstanding”.

James Howarth has already been installed as head at the academy, which is currently in development.

He said: “I’m really excited and thrilled to be starting this new role as principal. “I am keen to start building on the strengths of both the staff and students to ensure Grays School is as outstanding as it can be.”

Grays School announced its desire to become an academy in July last year through a letter to parents from acting headteacher Jon Marchant.

Its governing board unanimously decided to register its interest in becoming an academy with the Department for Education. Lord John Nash approved the application in one of his first acts as education minister.

Mr Marchant, who was acting head after Lynn Ibeji quit just weeks earlier, said he “hoped the change will raise standards, develop more innovative methods of teaching and learning to help students achieve more”.

In 2007, the school was put in special measures, but received a “satisfactory” grading from Ofsted following its last inspection in 2011.

Thurrock Council education portfolio holder John Kent said: “The council has been working closely with the trust on ensuring Grays School has a bright future and welcomes this news.

“Thurrock Council will continue to work with all schools in the borough to make sure all children have the best possible education.”