Parents urged to back plan for schools federation
A CONSULTATION has been launched by the governing bodies of two North Yorkshire schools on plans to meet challenging financial circumstances by turning them into a federation.
Under the proposals, Boroughbridge High School and King James’s School in Knaresborough would share certain services, but unlike an academy they would remain under the responsibility of the local authority.
A letter has been sent out to parents outlining the planned changes which would see the existing governing bodies dissolved and replaced with a single structure overseeing both schools.
It said: “The governors believe that there would be many positive outcomes to forming a federation both in the medium and longterm for each of the schools.
“There are numerous ways in which partnership working will create opportunities and efficiencies which will allow both schools to develop and improve the quality and breadth of education they provide, while maintaining their own unique character.
“Federation allows partner schools to work together and combine the strengths of both schools through sharing a governing body and other resources.
“This would give more opportunities to pupils in terms of the breadth of teaching, having access to well-qualified specialist teachers and the extracurricular and social opportunities open to them.
“Federation can help schools by opening up opportunities to share management and teaching staff can also support each other, sharing curriculum expertise.”
The schools already share training resources, some staff and have a joint sixth form and parents have been reassured that if given the go-ahead, the schools would remain separate with each retaining its own building and the two headteachers’ posts would also be maintained.
A series of meetings will now be held for parents and members of the community. The first event will take place at King James’s School at 6pm on February 25 and the second meeting will take place at Boroughbridge High School on March 3 at 6.30pm.