Two schools in the Furness area are the first to pool their expertise and resources to create a school federation.
From September this year, Croftlands Junior School in Ulverston and Newton Primary School in Barrow in Furness will be Cumbria's first federation of schools under the name of Furness Federation.
The two schools will share a single governing body and headteacher in order to reduce management costs at each school. This will give a non teaching head more time and better opportunity to exercise a leadership role. Each school will retain its own budget however both schools will contribute to a joint budget to cover shared costs. Staff will benefit from joint training days and share expertise in particular subjects. They will still be employed at the separate schools although there will be opportunities for exchange to widen experience and skills in the future.
County councillor Philip Chappelhow, cabinet spokesman for children's services, said:
"Cumbria County Council backs the creation of school federations and will provide support and guidance for both schools in setting up the federation. Each school will retain their independence and individuality whilst benefiting from sharing resources and expertise. Both these schools have many different strengths that each can benefit from. We hope that combining these strengths will help pupils achieve higher standards across the curriculum."
Jackie Dower Headteacher said:
"It is a privilege to be working with Croftlands and Newton in this exciting, new development. The opportunities provided by the federation will enable both schools to work closely together, and build on their existing strengths. By improving the educational opportunities for our children, we will be able to raise standards, and help them move forward, into the future, with confidence and success."