SCHOOLS in the North Tyne and Redesdale have united to celebrate their collaborative success.

On Tuesday this week, Wark, Kielder, Greenhaugh, Bellingham, West Woodburn and Otterburn first schools came together at Wark First School to enjoy a day of learning.

Fay Hartland, headteacher at Kielder First School praised all of the schools for their positive working relationship. “We have worked well together in the past and are all determined to keep up the schools alliance,” she said.

“Days like today are really rewarding for the pupils where they are able to mix with other pupils from neighbouring schools.”

A total of 180 pupils from six different schools took part in the event which mixed fun with pupils’ education.

While nursery, reception and Year 1 pupils were studying STEM subjects, Year 2, 3 and 4 children braved the wet and windy conditions to play tag rugby.

Sarah O’Connor, reception teacher at Bellingham First School, praised the pupils’ learning experience.

“What’s usually serious learning is enhanced by encouraging group participation,” she said.

James Ellison, Tynedale PE and school sport programme manager, delivered the tag rugby session with help from sports leaders at Ovingham Middle School.

James said: “It’s an absolutely fantastic collaboration between the North Tyne schools.

“The PE provision at these schools is exceptional, where 100 per cent of pupils take part.”

And teachers are positive for the future after Northumberland County Council announced Wark, Kielder, Greenhaugh, Bellingham and Otterburn First Schools would convert to primaries in September.

Amanda Taylor, headteacher at Wark First School, said: “We’re excited and prepared for the future as primaries, and to continue working together as schools.

Mrs Hartland added: “Children and teachers will benefit from the conversion and schools alliance.”