STURMINSTER Newton High School has become an academy.

The school, in Bath Road, joined the Sherborne Area Schools Trust (SAST) on June 1.
SAST now has 18 schools across Dorset and South Somerset, made up of 13 primary schools, four secondary schools, and an alternative provision.

Jason Davis, headteacher at Sturminster Newton High, said: “Joining SAST presents tremendous opportunities for students and staff going forward, with collaboration in areas like staff training, and an increased range of subjects to offer students, especially at post-16.

“We are really excited to be working with colleagues across SAST, and to be a part of helping shape the future experiences of young people across North Dorset.”

Brian Hooper, SAST interim CEO, added: “We are delighted to welcome Sturminster Newton High School into our family of schools.

“This will now provide opportunities for more collaboration between our secondary schools, enabling us to keep driving school improvement and delivering excellent educational outcomes for students.”