TWO Tadley schools could soon share a single headteacher and governing body.

A consultation document has been issued to parents and teachers of Bishopswood Infant and Junior Schools about plans to ‘federate’ the two establishments, which are in Barlows Road, Tadley.

The schools currently share a head – Glen Golding – who is headteacher of the junior school and has been acting headteacher of the infant school since October.

Mr Golding told The Gazette that responses to the consultation, organised by both governing bodies, had been overwhelmingly positive.

He said: “There are so many benefits for the pupils and the staff.

“Children moving from year two to year three (between the schools) would find the transition much smoother and would be more prepared for the move from infant to junior.

“It would give the headteacher and staff a great chance to get to know the pupils well before they move up to the junior school.”

He added that a single governing body and leadership structure would make it easier for the schools to share resources and expertise and would also make sense financially, requiring just one headteacher’s salary.

Neither site would close and each school would retain its own identity.

The consultation document, put out by current governors of infant and junior schools, reads: “Both schools need to continue to explore ways of serving the community and we believe that a federation would be better placed to ensure the provision of appropriate facilities and share them wherever possible.”

The consultation will end in mid-April, when the governing bodies will make their decision.

In the event that governors approve the plans, interviews would be held to appoint an executive headteacher for the Bishopswood schools and a new board of governors would be elected, appointed and co-opted.

The new governing body would comprise 16 governors.

Parents and staff will be informed of the decision by the end of April.

To have your say email bishopswood schools@gmail.com, stating your connection to the school, before March 27.