Thetford Academy joins Rachel de Souza's Inspiration Trust

Thetford Academy has been in special measures since March and Ofsted inspectors said pupils felt 'unsafe' there

An academy school in special measures is to be overseen by a head who specialises in improving results.

Thetford Academy, which is due to move into a new £19m building in September, is joining The Inspiration Trust, which includes a number of Norfolk schools.

The trust's chief executive Rachel de Souza will work with Thetford principal Cathy Spillane.

Mrs de Souza, who has led two schools from special measures to "outstanding" status, said parents could "relax".

Thetford Academy has been in special measures since March, after Ofsted inspectors said pupils felt unsafe.

The Inspiration Trust is a group of local schools that includes Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form Free School in Norwich, due to open in September, and Great Yarmouth Primary Academy.

Larkman Primary in Norwich and Cromer Academy have also agreed to join.

Rachel de Souza will work with the academy's head

'Done this before'

Mrs de Souza is currently executive principal of Ormiston Victory Academy in Costessey, near Norwich.

"For me, it's about ensuring every single child in Norfolk receives the best possible education in the UK, so it's a key milestone to work with a big school like this," she said.

"I've actually taken two schools from special measures to outstanding in three years each so I know how to do it.

"What parents can relax about now is to know that there are people working with the team here who have done this before and have done it successfully."

Mrs Spillane said: "It is the start of a new era for Thetford students: more resources, more opportunities and expert support for our children.

"We will be working closely with Mrs de Souza and her team on raising achievement and improving standards; everything needed to make us an outstanding school."