One of Norfolk's biggest high schools has applied for a second time to become an academy.

City of Norwich School applied last month to leave the sphere of Norfolk County Council, and become an independent state-funded school.

Headteacher Jim Nixon said CNS, which was rated 'requires improvement' by Ofsted in 2013, is applying to become a converter academy, usually successful schools which are strong enough to stand on their own.

He said he had not yet received a formal response from the Department for Education.

He added: 'The governors would like to state that should the application be agreed, a formal consultation involving staff, students, parents and the community will be undertaken.'

An earlier bid to become an academy was rejected last year.

A Department for Education spokesman said: 'We are clear City Norwich School needs support to bring about swift and sustained improvements. CNS has made the decision to convert and join the Ormiston Academies Trust which has an excellent record of improving schools in Norfolk. This is subject to ministerial approval and an announcement will be made shortly.'