Two Bridgnorth primary schools to work more closely together

Two Bridgnorth primary schools are to work more closely together after governors agreed to establish a federation to improve educational opportunities for pupils at both schools.

The respective full governing bodies of St Mary’s Bluecoat CE Primary School and Worfield Endowed CE Primary School agreed to federate at their separate meetings held on Tuesday 15 July 2014.

The federation will be established early in the 2014 autumn term.

The decision comes after considerable consideration of a wide range of issues and comments made during the consultation process by parents, teachers and staff, Shropshire Council, the Diocese of Hereford, various community agencies and other interested parties.

Under a federation schools can have a joint governing body, share resources to improve efficiency, and offer more choice of curriculum and support to pupils.

The St Mary’s and Worfield federation was proposed by Shropshire Council to enable Worfield (which is rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted) to help St Mary’s achieve an Ofsted rating of good or better.

Of the responses received during the consultation, 57% of families were in favour of the federation. One Worfield parent commented that: “In a time of uncertain pupil numbers we need to do all we can to ensure a healthy future for our school”, with one St Mary’s parent saying this is ”a great opportunity”.

Kay Blackford, Chair of Governors at St Mary’s Bluecoat, said:

“Initially the federation is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with Worfield School. Long term this will enable the sustainability of both schools.”

Edgar Hastings, Chair of Governors at Worfield Endowed, said:

“This will, I believe, be a landmark decision in the history and the future of both schools.”

Karen Bradshaw, director of children’s services with Shropshire Council, said:

“The federation will be a positive move for both schools and we’re really pleased that the majority of parents supported the federation during the consultation. It is through collaboration like this that schools can improve both their effectiveness and their cost-effectiveness and secure their future.”

Allyson Taylor, Diocesan Board of Education, Diocese of Hereford.

“This proposal will benefit both schools and provide support for leadership to enhance standards.”

A letter confirming the agreement to federate has been sent to parents today (Thursday 17 July 2014).