A NEW Trust has been formed which will creates a network of 15 academies with 1,200 staff and 7,500 pupils across Sussex.

The government and the trusts’ Boards of Directors have approved the merger of the Hastings Academies Trust and University of Brighton Academies Trust.

This brings together the two trusts sponsored by the University of Brighton under the name of the University of Brighton Academies Trust.

The academies are in Hastings, St Leonards, Crawley, Mid Sussex and Brighton and Hove.

Chief executive Dr John Smith said: “Our network of academies all support each other – and our pupils – to excel.

“We believe that education transforms lives, and I am certain that the merger will increase the trust’s ability to ensure that our pupils are inspired to meet their potential and develop a passion for life-long learning.”