Local schools team up for stronger future

Three local schools have entered a new shared leadership agreement designed to strengthen joint working, share expertise and provide stability in a changing education landscape. 

Vallis First School and the schools from the Rode & Norton School Federation (RNSF) will continue to share an Executive Headteacher from September 2026.   

The partnership creates opportunities for pupils and staff to connect across the schools. A recent friendly football match between pupils from Vallis First School and RNSF is one of many examples of the schools working together.   

The collaboration builds on a successful two-year partnership between the schools and reflects a shared commitment to building resilience at a time of significant change across the education system.

Vallis First School will remain an independent community school, while Rode Church of England First School and Norton St Philip Church of England First School will continue as a federation. All schools will remain local authority maintained.

Chair of Governors at Vallis First School, Holly Lawton, said, “This partnership is about children first. When schools work together well, pupils benefit from stronger leadership, more opportunities and a wider network of support.

“At Vallis we are incredibly proud to be part of a warm and ambitious school community where children feel valued, inspired and ready to learn. By working alongside our colleagues at Rode and Norton Schools Federation we can build resilience together while protecting what makes each school special.”

For RNSF, the continued partnership also provides the opportunity to build on the work already established between the schools. Chair of Governors at RNSF, Iestyn Lewis, said, “Our federation will continue with its Christian ethos guiding school life. This agreement allows us to support one another while keeping the distinct character and values that our families know and trust.”

Executive Headteacher George Muxworthy said, “Continuing our partnership reflects a shared belief that strong local schools working together are best placed to respond to the changing needs of children, families and the wider education system. While allowing us to retain the nurturing environment that smaller schools provide, we enable ideas sharing, support staff development and create richer experiences for our children.”

Both governing bodies will review the collaboration agreement regularly to ensure it continues to deliver strong leadership and the best possible outcomes for pupils and families.

Vallis First School has said recent media coverage suggesting a SEND unit could be established at the school is incorrect. The school confirmed that a SEND unit is not being considered, as Frome Times understands it would not be feasible within the current site or arrangements.