PARENTS with youngsters at two Catholic schools in Hexham are being consulted on proposals for the two to unite as a federation.

Having approved the appointment of Fiona Conley as executive headteacher of St Joseph’s Middle School and St Mary’s First School from September, the governing bodies are proposing the merger.

Both schools, which together cater for youngsters aged between four and 13, will continue to operate as individual schools with their own budget allocation, but under the guidance of a single governing body.

“Forming a federation will give us a greater degree of flexibility and opportunity when it comes to resources,” said Howard Forrest, chairman of governors at St Joseph’s.

“Subject to an appropriate audit trail for each school, the governing body will be able to use the resources, including staff resources, across both schools.”

The move is consistent with Ofsted’s desire for strong links between schools being more cost effective through economies of scale and having the potential for a positive impact on the quality of education offered, he added.

Mrs Conley said: “The schools already work closely together in a number of areas, and I am confident this will increase in my new role across both schools. A federation between the schools is a natural progression which will provide further opportunities to share skills, expertise and best practice, therefore improving overall effectiveness and raising educational standards.”

Both schools, judged “good” by Ofsted, will remain as separate establishments on their own sites.

With just over 100 pupils aged between four and nine, St Mary’s has been led by Bernadette Pye since 2015 during her interim role as executive headteacher of St Mary’s and St Matthew’s in Prudhoe.

Mrs Pye will return full time to her role at St Matthew’s from September, while St Mary’s could join forces with the 348-pupil middle school at St Joseph’s.

Tomás Neeson, chairman of the St Mary’s governors, said: “At a time of great change in education, with increasing uncertainty over the future landscape, this federation will provide both schools with greater breadth and depth of educational support.”

Anyone wishing to make representations on the proposal has until June 12, with meetings planned for parents and staff next month.