Two Suffolk academy trusts have been given approval to merge by the Department of Education.

John Milton Academy Trust, which primarily managed schools in mid Suffolk, was transferred legally into Gippeswyk Community Educational Trust, which ran primary schools in Ipswich, last month.

The new trust will now be known as the Oxlip Learning Partnership - named after the county flower of Suffolk.

Shaun Common was chief executive of Gippeswyk Community Educational Trust but is now the chief executive of the newly-formed organisation.

He said: “The two trusts have a lot in common, both being community-based with a high school and primary schools within the same catchment area.

“The new combined trust will allow us to build on both trusts’ individual successes while helping us to drive progress across our schools.”

Gippeswyk Community Educational Trust oversaw Copleston High School, Rose Hill Primary School and Britannia Primary School in Ipswich.

John Milton Academy Trust looked after Stowupland High School, Cedars Park Primary School in Stowmarket, Mendlesham Primary School and Bacton Primary School.

The approval from the Department of Education means the trust can launch a new website and branding.

Each school across the combined trust will retain its individual identity, reflecting the communities they serve, the new trust said.

Mr Common added: “This is a very exciting time for both trusts and their schools.

READ MORE: Kedington Primary Academy moves towards outstanding - Ofsted

“This partnership will pave the way for progress at all the schools the unified trust now oversees.

“We are combining our shared vision and values with an absolute focus on our children, young people and their families, with school improvement at the heart of all out work, driven by strong and supportive leaders across the partnership.

“We look forward to seeing students continue to thrive under the Oxlip Learning Partnership.”