A secondary school in Letchworth has become an academy, with the headteacher confident the move will give students "what they need to be successful and thrive".

On January 1, The Highfield School became the ninth school to join the Scholars' Education Trust. 

The multi-academy trust was founded in 2012 and provides education for more than 8,000 children between the ages of three and 18.

Lucy Miles, headteacher at The Highfield School, said: "We are delighted to be joining the Scholars’ Education Trust.

"At The Highfield School, we are passionate about collaboration in order that we enrich the educational experience for students and for our wider school community. 

"Being a part of a trust that puts collaboration at the heart of its working enables us to do just that, so that we give our students what they need to be successful and thrive in their education and beyond."

A spokesperson for the Scholars' Education Trust said: "Our trust is committed to leveraging the skills and experience of our staff across all schools to ensure the highest quality of education possible.

"While each school maintains its unique identity, the trust's central 'DNA' is shared amongst all organisations. As a result, regardless of which school you attend, you can be assured that you are a part of the Scholars' Education Trust, and that everyone you encounter shares the same values and priorities."

Claire Robins OBE, CEO of the multi-academy trust, added: "We are excited to welcome The Highfield School as the most recent addition to the Scholars' Education Trust.

"Lucy Miles and her team offer a wealth of experience to our multi-academy trust, and we are confident that by working closely together at all levels, we can help our students achieve more than they ever imagined possible."

When The Highfield School was last inspected by Ofsted, in May last year, it received a rating of good, with behaviour and attitudes requiring improvement.

At the time, there were 974 students on the secondary school's roll, including 161 sixth formers. 

The number of pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is "well above average", Ofsted noted.