Warwickshire’s George Eliot School is to become a National Challenge trust school at the start of term in September.

The schools adjudicator this week confirmed that the Nuneaton secondary would become a trust school, in partnership with nearby North Warwickshire and Hinckley College.

Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire council vabinet member for schools, said she hoped this partnership would help to raise educational standards at George Eliot.

Marion Plant, principal of North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, added: “We will use our skills and resources to support governance and leadership, providing greater choice and opportunity for youngsters attending the school.”

George Eliot will have a new headteacher, David James, as well as a new uniform and logo. Mr James said he planned to introduce a new curriculum, as well as investing in ICT and resources to help raise achievement.

The Government’s National Challenge programme has targeted schools where fewer than 30 per cent of pupils achieve five A*-C grades at GCSE. Results at George Eliot fell below that threshold in 2007, but have since risen.

The school will now receive up to Pounds 750,000 in additional funding to help improve its results. AB.