A WIRRAL school has announced it is changing its name and its sponsors University Academy Birkenhead has been renamed "Birkenhead Park School".

Its new sponsors are Wirral Academy Trust, an organisation set up by Birkenhead Sixth Form College.

Geraint Parry, headteacher at Birkenhead Park School said: "The Sixth Form College is a longstanding partner and is geographically and culturally very close.

"This local partnership gives us exciting opportunities for joint working in the future that will allow us to continue to raise the aspirations and achievements of our students".

Kathryn Podmore, college principal and trust chief executive, said: "Wirral Academy Trust will work with schools to offer a broad, balanced and rich curriculum that enables high standards in core skills to be attained whilst providing a secure and caring environment."

Birkenhead Academy was formed in 2011 after the merger of Rock Ferry and Park high schools.

An Ofsted inspection in 2013 revealed concerns over GCSE results and attendance, but a follow-up visit found "effective action" was being taken and standards were on the up.

A statement from the school said: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank our former sponsors for their hard work and tireless dedication to the delivery of first class education for the young people of Birkenhead.

“The school now begins an exciting new chapter in its history and will build upon its success."

The school was previously sponsored by the sixth form college along with lead sponsor UCAT (University of Chester Academies Trust), University of Liverpool, Wirral Metropolitan College and Wirral Council.