Torridge schools federate with Holsworthy CC

SIX Torridge primary schools are uniting with Holsworthy Community College to create the largest education federation in the county.

The partnership between the college and Highampton, Pyworthy, Sutcombe, West and East Putford, and Bradford and Bridgerule primaries is designed to enhance learning opportunities.

But it will also help secure a future for all the schools after a county council review said the way education was delivered was unsustainable. With each facing increasing financial pressures, the move will also mean substantial savings could be made by the group's increased purchasing power.

The federation will have one governing body with representatives from each school and the current head teachers will remain in place.

The schools say the plan will maintain high standards in teaching and learning and enhance pupils' overall educational experience.

In a joint statement they said: "Federation is the best way to develop in order to retain as much of the character as possible in the communities served by our schools.

"The federation will be tailored to the needs of our schools and communities to provide the best experience for our children and young people."

Holsworthy Community College principal, David Fitzsimmons, said: "This is not for the benefit of any one school. This is for the benefit of all our children and young people.

"It will improve educational opportunities for them and enable staff to share expertise and good practice.

"We are also very keen to work in close collaboration with the Okehampton federation."

Mr Fitzsimmons said pupils from Highhampton and West and East Putford had recently been using the college's science labs in a demonstration of how the new, closer collaboration would work.

The individual ethos and values, budget and admissions procedures of each school will not alter.

The federation will launch in September after being voted in by each governing body following consultation with students, parents and local communities.