A secondary school is looking forward to a new chapter after joining Cumbria's largest multi-academy trust.

Kirkby Stephen Grammar School (KSGS) has collaborated with Cumbria Education Trust (CET) for over 18 months and has now officially joined as its fourth secondary school this week.

Leaders at KSGS said the development would bring a triple bonus for the school, with a renewed focus on pupil outcomes, investment in staff development, and access to greater resources.

This development marks the establishment of a new Southern Hub for CET within the Westmorland and Furness Council area.

Three additional schools expected to join the trust later this academic year.

Lorrayne Hughes, chief executive of CET, said: "I am delighted to welcome KSGS into our family of schools.

"KSGS is a strong school, and I look forward to nurturing the knowledge and expertise they bring to the trust.

"We have already established a productive, collaborative relationship, and I am excited to see this grow, benefiting our entire community—staff, parents, students, and beyond."

KSGS was rated 'Good' in all areas by Ofsted in January.

Gary Hartley, headteacher at KSGS, said: "CET stood out with a proven record of success in supporting secondary schools, as seen in the remarkable progress made at The Whitehaven Academy and Workington Academy.

"Since March 2023, we have built a highly productive and collaborative working relationship with CET leaders and staff, benefiting from their expertise in safeguarding, teaching, learning, assessment, leadership, and professional development opportunities.

"I look forward to strengthening this relationship, not only to leverage CET’s resources and capacity but also to share our strengths with the trust’s broader school community."

Even though the school is joining the Brampton-based trust, KSGS will retain its individual identity, values, and uniform.