The Bishop of Norwich, together with businessman Graham Dacre, sponsored the first academy in Norfolk.

The Open Academy, which replaced Heartsease High, in Norwich, opened in 2008.

The diocese, which covers Norfolk as well as Lowestoft and north-east Suffolk, has 115 church schools, but its Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust is a new player on the scene.

It was formed in response to ministerial expectations that schools deemed failing by Ofsted become sponsored academies, and will allow the diocese to continue supporting church schools in this situation.

It has ministerial approval in principle for its first academy, Moorlands Primary in Belton, near Gorleston.

However, Andy Mash, director of education for the diocese, said: 'The trust is based upon being there for 'good' or 'outstanding' schools too, not just those at the 'wrong' end of the Ofsted inspection spectrum, so that it offers opportunity, access and 'belonging' for all.

'And non-church schools too, if attracted to the trust's values, ethos and style.'

Bishop Graham James said: 'Independence from the local authority yields little in itself.

'The Diocese of Norwich has created its own academies trust so we can provide such leadership and resources to academies which want to be part of the family of church schools in the diocese.

'There are currently 115 church schools in the diocese. We are very proud of them and want to give them the opportunity to convert to academy status if they wish, while retaining their connection with the diocese and being provided with the help they need to flourish.'