A troubled school whose head faces stalking charges has been taken over by a larger academies trust.

Howard Junior School in King's Lynn was rated "inadequate" after an emergency Ofsted inspection in March.

It came after its head Gregory Hill was arrested in front of parents and pupils on suspicion of stalking.

Inspectors said the school, which was the only member of the Apollo Academies Trust, had "serious failings".

Eastern Daily Press: Howard Junior School in King's LynnHoward Junior School in King's Lynn (Image: Chris Bishop)

It has now become part of the Eastern Multi Academy Trust (EMAT), which operates 10 primary schools across West Norfolk and Breckland.

Paul Shanks, its chief executive, said: “We are delighted that Howard Junior School has joined our family of successful schools and look forward to supporting the academy to provide a fantastic standard of education for the children and community it serves.

"Howard Junior is a school with huge potential and the Howard team has already been working closely with EMAT colleagues to ensure a smooth transition. We look forward to seeing the academy go from strength to strength."

Eastern Daily Press: Linda Hothersall, executive principal of Howard Junior and Eastgate Academy in King's LynnLinda Hothersall, executive principal of Howard Junior and Eastgate Academy in King's Lynn (Image: Denise Bradley)

Ofsted rated leadership and management at the school as inadequate, adding: “Pupils throughout the school do not achieve as well as they should because leaders have prioritised the appearance of the building at the expense of the curriculum."

Linda Hothersall, head at Eastgate Academy in the centre of King's Lynn, has been acting as executive principal of both schools.

Hill, who was suspended from his post after being arrested, had been the head at Howard Junior for more than 10 years.

Eastern Daily Press: Gregory Hill, who has been charged with stalking and obstructing policeGregory Hill, who has been charged with stalking and obstructing police (Image: Ian Burt)

The 48-year-old of Valley Way in Fakenham denied harassment without violence between March, 2022 and February of this year, when he appeared before Norwich magistrates on October 10.

He also denied obstructing police during his arrest on March 6. He will stand trial over the charges in June next year.