Harting Church of England Primary School and Stedham Primary School have officially combined to form The Weald and Downlands Schools Federation.

For Stedham in particular, the federation is welcome news – after a lengthy campaign to save it, the school was told in February 2020 it wasn’t to close.

The federation will open many opportunities for the two small Rother Valley schools to work in close partnership.

The larger team of professionals will ‘deliver the highest-quality education our children deserve’, says recently-appointed Harting headteacher Nick Tidey.

He added: “The staff at Harting are incredibly excited about the formation of the federation between the two schools.

“We are sure this will open many opportunities for collaboration and sharing of expertise, as well as enhancing the learning experiences of children across both schools.”

At the heart of this federation is the commitment of both headteachers in providing children with the very highest quality learning experiences.

These experiences will create lasting memories as they grow, said Malcolm Meaby, the Steadham headteacher.

He added: “We have a wonderful opportunity to share expertise and learn from each other.

“Ultimately this will give a better, broader offer to the pupils of both schools.”

Staff at both schools will work together in sharing expertise and building a partnership.

This is aimed at supporting and challenging all children at both schools, to help them realise their full potential.

Although there is an agreed commitment to work together as a new federation, the unique characteristic of both individual schools will be retained to ensure they remain the ‘truly special places’.

The governing body from both schools is also fully committed to the success of the federation and extremely excited about the many new opportunities that lie ahead, said Jeff Ace, the chair of governors who oversaw the merger for Harting school in Tipper Lane.

Both schools always welcome visits from prospective families, and have urged people to get in touch to arrange tours.

For more information about Harting school, visit the website at www.harting.w-sussex.sch.uk or see the Facebook page @hartingprimary and follow the school activities on Instagram (@hartingprimary) or Twitter (@harting_primary)

To learn more about Stedham school in Common View Road, visit the website www.stedham.

w-sussex.sch.uk or follow news on Twitter (@schoolstedham)