THE federation of two schools in Tavistock was given the thumbs up by the prospective parliamentary Liberal Democrat candidate for West Devon and Torridge, Adam Symons, on a visit to the schools last week.

St Rumon's Infant school and St Peter's Junior School became federated last year, and now have one head teacher and one governing body.

Mr Symons visited the Tavistock Church Schools' Federation to meet pupils and staff and learn about the trials and successes of federating.

While at St Rumon's assembly, he gave out gold awards to eight pupils.

Mr Symons said: 'It was so good to see the success that has taken place through federation. Although these schools are close together, they perhaps did not work that closely in the past.

'However, now they can share staff, ideas and enthusiasm and really drive forward a culture of excellence in learning.

'I was so impressed by how the staff at both sites have pulled together to unite the two schools.

'I gave them my thumbs up. I think that federation is the future, especially for smaller rural schools, which would benefit from co-operation with other schools and sharing staff and expertise.'

Mr Symons also renewed his call for fairer funding for Devon's schools.

He said: 'Education is the most important part of what the state provides to communities.

'However, with Devon getting £375 less on average per pupil than other counties, our schools are missing out.

'It is time to give schools a level playing field so that children in Devon don't get left behind.'