BURY'S best performing comprehensive school has broken away from local authority control to join the Shaw Education Trust.

Woodhey High School in Ramsbottom has converted to an academy school to be run by the multi-academy trust (MAT) which also controls, Unsworth Academy ­— which opened when Castlebrook High School closed ­— and Tottington High School.

Woodhey High School was placed top of Bury's state-funded schools in the secondary school league tables, released in February, for the number of students getting good grades in their GCSE results.

Ofsted found that pupils regularly achieve above-average standards in eight GCSE subjects.

Shaw Education Trust announced the school ­had joined following a 'successful consultation' period.

It said the move would give the school the "opportunity to build their success, as well as access numerous staff and pupil opportunities, such as training courses and collaborative work with other schools in the Trust".

Headteacher of the school, Brian Roadnight, said “I am delighted that Woodhey High School is joining the Shaw Education Trust. In choosing a Trust, the Governors, staff team, pupils and their families were all excited when we looked into this particular MAT.

“We are really looking forward to the relationship we will develop with the Trust, and together we will work towards achieving great outcomes for each and every one of our fantastic pupils.”

The Trust, which currently has 24 schools and three teaching schools, said it was excited to welcome Woodhey into its family and added it is looking "forward to further developing the aspirations and achievements of pupils at the school".

CEO of Shaw Education Trust, Jo Morgan, said: “Woodhey High School is an incredible school, with amazing young people, and fantastic staff. We are delighted they are now part of our family and together we will do much to enable all our young people to fly.”

Ofsted stated: "Upon conversion to academy status the existing school closes and a new school opens in its place. Although little may have changed, the academy converter is a new legal entity."