Steve DownesHe led his men to some of the greatest triumphs in Britain's seafaring history.Now the name of Admiral Lord Nelson's most famous ship will provide inspiration to hundreds of students at Norfolk's newest academy.Steve Downes

He led his men to some of the greatest triumphs in Britain's seafaring history.

Now the name of Admiral Lord Nelson's most famous ship will provide inspiration to hundreds of students at Norfolk's newest academy.

HMS Victory has given its name to the Ormiston Victory Academy, which is set to open in September in the buildings of Costessey High School in Middleton Crescent.

The name was chosen after consultation with staff and parents, and principal-designate Rachel de Souza is hoping it will give students a lift as they begin life in the new school.

Ms de Souza, who has come from Barnfield West Academy in Luton, said: 'This is a really aspirational name. Admiral Nelson is an inspiring local figure and I hope that the name of Victory will be inspiring to students.'

The academy's logo, incorporating the new name, has also been created, with designs for the academy's uniform underway.

The academy will have a capacity of 900 11-16-year-olds and 200 sixth formers, rising to 1,050 11-16-year-olds and 200 sixth formers by 2015, when the new complex is expected to be built.

It will be run by the Ormiston Trust, alongside Norfolk County Council and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and will specialise in science and applied learning.

The Ormiston Trust is a social enterprise charity which aims to raise educational standards by building a network of innovative, high-performing secondary schools in partnership with parents, teachers, business and the community. The trust runs a chain of academies across Britain, including a clutch in the East of England.

Ian Cleland, chief executive of Ormiston Academies Trust, said: 'We're really pleased that a name has been chosen for the academy.

'This is a great step forward and we're looking forward to working with staff, students and the community, motivated by the Nelson spirit.'

HMS Victory was Norfolk-born Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and bore his body back to England after he was fatally wounded during what was the most significant British naval victory of the war with France.

Ormiston Victory Academy will open in September, subject to final consent being given by the Department for Education by July 31. On Monday an important hurdle was cleared when the county council's cabinet agreed to close the existing school to make way for the academy.

Do you have an academies' story? Call Steve Downes on 01603 772495 or email steve.downes@archant.co.uk.

How HMS Victory has inspired other Norfolk names:

Ormiston Victory Academy is not the only place to have taken its name from Admiral Lord Nelson's famous flagship.

In North Walsham it gives its name to Victory Swimming and Fitness Centre, which opened in 2003 after decades of fundraising.

The North Norfolk town also hosts Victory Housing Trust, which was renamed in February 2008 after a few years as North Norfolk Housing Trust.

The West Norfolk village of Clenchwarton is home to The Victory Inn.

Norwich had its own Victory Inn, in Dereham Road, but it closed in 1997. It was originally called the Adelaide Stores, then the Wine Vaults in 1872, before in 1875 taking its name from HMS Victory.