A KEIGHLEY school is to receive ultra-modern internet connections as part of a new £1 million package of support across the region.

Merlin Top Primary Academy is among 20 schools included in the five-year IT programme.

The Northern Education Trust, which operates the schools, has partnered with Tyneside-based IT and data services specialist Aspire Technology Solutions to deliver the scheme.

As part of the initiative, Aspire will install special lines and so-called SIP trunks – for the telephony system across the internet – into Merlin Top, at Braithwaite Avenue, and the other locations.

It will also provide a web security package and content filtering.

Ian Kershaw, chief executive of the Northern Education Trust, said he was delighted at the new partnership and that it would provide a massive boost to the schools.

"We are pleased to have appointed Aspire Technology Solutions as our IT partner and believe its team is perfectly suited to provide the kind of connectivity and comprehensive support we need between our 20 academies and operational hubs," he added.

"Digital technology plays a vital role in the fast-paced world of education and it is essential that we have first-class internet connectivity and a rapid response if there is a problem.

"We are looking forward to developing our relationship with the Aspire team in our aim to provide a high-quality teaching and learning environment for staff and students alike."

Paul Shill, senior account manager at Aspire, said the company – which has a 115-strong workforce at its Gateshead headquarters – had overcome strong nationwide competition to win the contract.

"To win it we offered a highly competitive tender with the best technological solution," he said.

"This is a highly significant success for us and shows that we are a national brand, attuned to meeting a variety of IT requirements across many sectors.

"The Northern Education Trust is a well-known and respected organisation and I am delighted that we are now providing the cutting-edge IT support that will benefit its work in the years ahead.

"The systems we are delivering across the 20 sites will provide the trust with the advanced and reliable internet connectivity – and improved overall IT services – that exactly meet its requirements."

Award-winning Aspire was founded in 2006 and its clients span a range of sectors including health, retail, construction, utilities, pharmaceuticals, fashion and the motor industry.

The Northern Education Trust, established in 2012, operates ten primary academies and ten secondaries.