An academy trust is facing backlash over its new school name amid fears it will confuse people.

The Inspiration Trust recently announced its latest school, the new primary due to open in September 2024, will be named Cringleford Prep - despite not being a private school.

The name, which was the most popular of three options considered, has sparked fears that it may confuse parents looking to enrol their children.

Norwich Evening News: Bridget Carrington, who has question the name of the new school in Cringleford. Picture: Ian BurtBridget Carrington, who has question the name of the new school in Cringleford. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Ian Burt)

Bridget Carrington, a retired teacher who spent 25 years in the classroom, said: "I have never before known of a state school calling itself a prep.

"I think it could be very confusing for people as it would be perfectly reasonable to believe the school will be something it's not. Any definition of prep school you can find refers to fee-paying private schools.

"It does feel there's a bit of 'we're better than you' about it too."

Prep schools - short for preparatory - are commonly known to be private, fee-paying schools, with local examples including Langley in Taverham and Gresham in Holt.

Norwich Evening News: Mike Smith-Clare, Labour county councillor.

Mike Smith-Clare, Labour's spokesman for education in Norfolk, said: "It seems a strange decision to use the word prep in the school's new name.

"Prep or preparatory has obvious connotations with private school education - so to create unnecessary confusion among parents seems to be an odd approach."

The 420-place primary is set to be the second school in the rapidly-expanding village, with Cringelford VA Primary School as the other.

A spokesman for the Inspiration Trust said: "The name was chosen through a public consultation where the choices were Cringleford Prep, Cringleford Academy and Cringleford Free School were offered - 55pc of respondents replied with Cringleford Prep as their preferred name.

"This free prep school, like Wymondham College, will serve the community of Cringleford and prepare children for secondary education.

"Our curriculum will provide opportunities which are normally only available to children attending prestigious schools."