A PRIMARY school and secondary school in the Dales have announced they are to become formally linked.

The governors of Upper Wharfedale School in Threshfield and Kettlewell Primary School said they were "delighted to announce, that following wide consultation with the community, the schools will enter into formal Federation from September 1, 2015".

They said both schools already work closely in partnership, under the successful leadership team of headteacher Andrew Taylor, who has been head at Upper Wharfedale since 2012, associate Headteacher Sally Sumner and Kettlewell school manager Tracy Briggs, sharing many staff, both teaching and non-teaching. "They also share resources, facilities and activities, bringing a wide number of benefits to students," said a statement from the governors.

"From September 1, 2015, the schools will federate under the existing executive headteacher and senior leadership team who will continue to provide the leadership and strategic direction of both schools.

"Each school will retain its own buildings, uniform, and budgets and very importantly, each will retain its own ethos. The excellent teaching and learning taking place at both schools will be preserved.

"The schools will be governed by a single governing body with representation from both communities. This will lead to tighter, more focused governance, increased financial savings without affecting provision, and make both schools more secure and sustainable.

"The governors wish to thank all those who have supported federation and look forward to an exciting future ahead."

Kettlewell Primary School faced the possibility of closure a few years ago, but was reprieved by education chiefs, although the neighbouring school at Arncliffe was shut.