A trio of primary schools are to join an academy trust.

Chipping Ongar Primary School, High Ongar Primary School and Ongar Primary School will become part of the Bridge Academy Trust from September 1. According to a statement from the trust, the merger will create "a unique opportunity for all the schools to work closely together to improve the educational opportunities for the families of Ongar," while not affecting the schools' characters, names or uniforms.

Bridge Academy Trust chief executive officer Mark Farmer said: "Myself, as CEO and the Trustees of Bridge Academy Trust are very excited and happy to be working with the three primary schools in Ongar.

"We very much look forward in supporting them to ensure that all children in Ongar have a first-class experience through their educational journey and beyond."

The Bridge Academy Trust is currently made up Moulsham High School, which started the trust, and The Ongar Academy, which joined in October 2017.