A FREE school in Darlington has announced plans to join a multi-academy trust.

In a move governors believe will bring economic advantages and further stability, Polam Hall School will be part of the Woodard Academies Trust from 2017.

The trust will allow the team at Polam Hall to share resources and best practice while working closely with staff from five other schools.

Paul Kennedy, Chief Education Officer of the Woodard Academies Trust, said: “We are delighted to be developing a partnership with Polam Hall School.

“We hope that as Polam continues towards its first OFSTED inspection, and constantly seeks to improve its offer to all students, the school will benefit from the support and knowledge of the Trust.”