St Peter’s Church of England Primary and Nursery School has become an academy, joining the Southwell and Nottingham Multi Academy Trust and changing its name to St Peter’s Church of England Primary Academy Mansfield.

The Mayor of Mansfield, Kate Allsop, and the chief executive officer of the trust, Chris Moodie, went to the school to mark the occasion.

At a school assembly pupils were surprised to see the mayor’s chain as she walked to the front of the school hall to address the children.

The school will retain its strong Christian ethos.

Head teacher James Marshall, now in his second year at the helm, said: “We are very excited to be joining the Southwell and Nottingham Multi Academy Trust.

“Our collective ethos links strongly in terms of providing an excellent education through an exciting and engaging curriculum, underpinned by Christian values and principles.

“At St Peter’s CofE Primary Academy Mansfield, we are committed to providing opportunity to experience life in all its fullness.”

Pictured, from left, are mayor Kate Allsop, Chris Moodie, James Marshall and the chair of governors, Christine Bacon, with year 6 pupils Anna, Daniel, Charlie and Aisha, who are the school’s pupil council.