A think tank's analysis of academy trusts has named the Norfolk-based Inspiration Trust as the best in England for high schools.

Following the publication of its report today, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) said: 'The Inspiration Trust is the best schools group in England – the improvement it has made is equivalent pupils achieving one grade higher in four GCSEs compared with the average.'

The trust's schools include Thetford Academy, Cromer Academy and Hethersett Academy, which was recently judged 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

Its chief executive, Dame Rachel de Souza, said: 'The Inspiration Trust was set up to specifically to raise standards in areas of East Anglia that have traditionally seen low attainment and aspiration, and it is great to see the hard work of our staff, students, and parents being recognised nationally.

'We know the difference we can make to our young people's lives and I am exceptionally proud of the time and commitment put in by colleagues across the Trust every day to ensure that our pupils have the very best start in life.'

Last month, Sir Theodore Agnew, sponsor and chairman of the Inspiration Trust, was announced as a trustee of the EPI.

A spokesman for the EPI said Sir Theodore played no role in the production of the report that praised the Inspiration Trust, and said research released by the Department for Education came to similar conclusions.

The EPI recommended the government should not pursue full academisation as a policy objective, saying it should instead aim for all pupils to be in a good school, regardless of its status.