Over recent months, the Governing Body of Friday Bridge Primary School and the Governing Body of Townley Primary School have been exploring the option of entering a formal partnership called a Federation. This work has been led by a small working group formed of representatives from both Governing Bodies and Local Authority Officers. This has involved asking challenging questions of each other and the Local Authority to gain the best possible understanding of the context of each school and what Federation would involve. Additionally, the Local Authority has carried out Due Diligence checks on both schools which were reviewed by the working group and no major concerns were raised.
The unanimous conclusion we have reached is that Federation would bring positive long-term benefits to both schools.
Importantly, Federation is not an amalgamation. Both schools would retain their individual and unique identities but be led and managed by an Executive Headteacher and one Governing Body that would have strategic oversight of both schools.
Included in this document is the information for the full statutory consultation process which will commence on Monday 19th May and last for six school weeks. This process is outlined in the consultation document which gives greater detail of the proposal to enter into a Federation effective from 1st September 2025, including meetings at the respective schools, where you will be able to share your views and ask further questions. Questions and comments during the consultation period can also be submitted by returning the online form. We believe this to be a very exciting proposal for the future of children’s education in both schools, and we hope that you share our enthusiasm.
Sue Rudge, Sonia Harwood, Paul Simpson, Simon Lind, Donna Suttle
The joint working group