A religious group has been linked to proposals for a new academy school.

West Sussex County Council has revealed it is in talks with the United Church Schools Trust about a project in Midhurst.

If it goes ahead Midhurst Grammar will be the fourth state school in West Sussex to leave local authority control and become an academy managed by a religious organisation.

The proposals would see the new school replacing Midhurst Grammar and taking on older year groups from Midhurst Intermediate School and Herbert Shiner Intermediate school in Petworth.

It would be built with around £25 million of government funding but run by United Church Schools Trust using a curriculum controlled by them.

The trust's chief executive Ewan Harper said: "We believe this will be an outstanding project with a special emphasis on high expectations and attainment."

The Christian trust runs ten independent schools including Guildford High and Caterham School in Surrey, as well as 13 other academies.

It has been the most prolific sponsor of the government's academy scheme, becoming involved with projects in Manchester, Sheffield and London, among others.

It was founded in 1883 with the objective of offering a good education based on Christian principles of service and tolerance.

The Midhurst scheme has emerged amid moves to reorganise state schools in the Rother Valley, which also includes Petworth and Pulborough.

Several schools will be merged in the process and some could be closed.

The council wants to change the existing infant, first, junior, intermediate and secondary schools to just primary and secondaries.

Midhurst Grammar, which was removed from special measures last year after previously being deemed inadequate by Ofsted, would become an academy for 11 to 18 year olds.

County councillor Mark Dunn, responsible for schools, said: "We are in the early stages. We have discussed this with the governing bodies of Midhurst Grammar, Midhurst Intermediate and Herbert Shiner Intermediate Schools, and all three recognise the potential.

"The benefits for young people now and for the generations to come could be enormous."

Last year the council revealed a scheme for King's Manor Community College in Shoreham, Boundstone Community College in Lancing and Littlehampton Community School to become academies sponsored by the Woodard Trust, the Christian organisation which operates fee-paying Lancing College and dozens of other independent schools.

It has begun preparing an expression of interest for the Midhurst scheme to register with Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Attempts are underway to revive plans for a fifth academy in Sussex, at Falmer in Brighton, after the original sponsor pulled out.

The identity of a new backer is expected to be announced this week.

For more information about education in your area visit the local information section of this website.