Keswick School is set to become an academy trust.

The secondary school's application to form a multi-academy trust has been approved by the Regional Schools Commissioner.

The school will open as Keswick School multi-academy trust on January 1.

A school spokesman said: "The reason we took this decision is due to the pressure being placed on schools to become academies and join multi-academy trusts.

"We share the concern of many that local schools being forced to join multi-academy trusts which are based outside the area will not necessarily benefit our communities.

"We also believe it is essential that small primary schools should continue to serve our more remote communities.

"It is the children who grow up in these primaries, in the shadow of the fells, who have been attending Keswick School for centuries."

The school said it pledged to partner schools in central and West Cumbria and would prioritise serving the needs and interests of children in their local communities.

The spokesman added: "We believe that every child should be given the opportunities and support needed to achieve their potential and that they should be happy and enjoy their time at school.

"We also believe that the decisions about what constitutes a good education should be taken locally."

Keswick School is a National Teaching School and lead school for the Western Lakes Teaching School Alliance.

Simon Jackson, headteacher, said: "This is a momentous occasion in Keswick School's 650-year history.

"We've not come to this decision lightly and it follows a 12-month process. However the pressures on education have never been greater.

We felt that we couldn't stand by the sidelines but that we could offer an alternative local solution.

"Our priority will always be to maintain the outstanding quality of teaching and learning and huge variety of opportunities we offer students at Keswick School.

"However we are open to be approached by other schools who share our vision and values so that we can at least explore the possibility of establishing a more formalised partnership within a multi-academy trust."

Sarah Peck, chairman of governors, said: "I am pleased that our multi-academy trust application has been successful following consultation with staff, students, parents and the wider community.

"The education landscape is constantly being changed and we hope that in becoming a multi-academy trust we may be able to provide local stability for our students present and future. We look forward to working with like-minded schools whose focus is providing the best education and learning experiences for their students."