THREE primary schools are joining forces combining their expertise to improve the learning experience for hundreds of children.
Heathfield, Hurworth and Northwood primary schools have become an academy trust, a move designed to develop opportunities for more than 1,300 pupils and 70 teachers.
Just over a year ago Hurworth and Heathfield primary schools became an academy trust independent from the local authority control.
Northwood has now joined the multi-academy trust opening up management efficiencies that will benefit from economies of scale, the sharing of best practice and increased professional development opportunities.
Education is currently under pressure financially as it tries to cope with a baby boom just as fewer graduates enter the profession.
The trust is also working with Carmel College on a programme of professional development to ensure teachers have the skills to meet fresh challenges around curriculum and learning.
Trust executive head Nick Blackburn said: “We are delighted that Northwood has joined us and the trust will be much stronger as a result.
“Our ability as three schools to tackle the various issues of 21st century education will be much improved by working together. It is exciting to see how rapidly improvements are being made for the benefit of teachers and pupils.”
Each school brings a specialism to the trust around issues such as speech and language, special educational needs, a low incidence needs team and visual and hearing impairment.
Head teacher of Northwood Zoe Beach said: “One of our key values is that all children should have the right support.”
The executive team, including head of school at Hurworth Alison Maddison and acting head of school at Heathfield Lisa Bainbridge, will meet every week to plan and develop education and management across the schools.
The trust will also foster closer links with partner organisations including Darlington College, who supply apprentices, West Park Academy’s trainee teachers and Durham University.
Mr Blackburn said: “Set against a backdrop of financial constraints we are determined that our newly expanded trust will provide as much support as we can to pupils and their families.
“A feature of the trust is that it has very high expectations of teachers and pupils. We want everyone in the North-East considering teaching to think about coming to work with us.”