SOME 22,000 children aged from four to 18 are educated in church schools in the diocese of Exeter, and most of those 131 schools are rated by OFSTED as good or outstanding. Now, with the formal approval of the Department for Education, the diocese has set up St Christopher's Multi-Academy Trust, which will support schools that are becoming academies.

The trust, the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Revd Michael Langrish, says, "is dedicated to supporting our sponsored schools, through working with parents, governors, and staff, to become beacons of high standards, good practice, and service to the local community. The diocese has a long-standing reputation in supporting schools that are converting to become academies. It's an exciting development in our relationship with our schools".

The first schools to join the trust later this year will be Ilfracombe Arts College (above), and St Michael's C of E Primary School, in Heavitree, Exeter. More schools are expected to join in the future.