HIGHAMPTON Primary School are one of seven Torridge schools launching a pioneering educational partnership to enhance their pupil's learning.

The six primary schools of Highampton, Pyworthy, Sutcombe, West and East Putford, Bradford and Bridgerule along with Holsworthy Community College will launch the federation in September.

It is the biggest number of schools in Devon ever to enter a federation and is similar to the arrangement between Okehampton College and primary schools in its catchment area.

The schools say the plan will maintain high standards in teaching and learning and enhance pupils' overall educational experience.

There will be one governing body with representatives from each school and the current headteachers will remain in place. Each school's unique individual ethos and values, budget and admissions procedures will be maintained.

But there will be greater opportunities to share the skills of individual staff across all the schools. Each governing body voted for the federation following a wide-ranging consultation with students, parents and the wider community.

In a joint statement, the schools said: 'Federation is the best way to develop in order to retain as much of the character as possible in the communities served by our schools.

'The federation will be tailored to the needs of our schools and communities to provide the best experience for our children and young people.'