TWO more Somerset primary schools, including one near Ilminster, are joining The Redstart Learning Partnership this term.

Ashill Community Primary School and Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School, in Taunton, join four other primary schools in South Somerset who are linked through The Redstart Learning Partnership.

Suzanne Flack, chief executive of The Redstart Learning Partnership, said: “Both Ashill and Holy Trinity will now benefit from a secure future and plans for sharing the best teaching and learning experience from across our Trust.

"New and experienced teachers as well as school leaders will have new channels of support and career opportunities through being part of The Redstart Learning Partnership.

"Pupils will also reap the benefits of being part of a Trust through enhanced teaching and learning. As all the schools in the partnership have their own strengths I expect children and families to see steady changes when and where they are necessary.”

Ashill Community Primary is currently rated as outstanding by Ofsted and serves a small rural community three miles from Ilminster.

It has two classes and a pre-school and it is expected to officially join from September 2017.

Tony Blackshaw, chair of governors at the Ashill Primary School, said: "This is a great opportunity for Ashill Primary School. We are so excited by the close working relationship enjoyed by the Redstart Learning Partnership schools.

"As a small, rural school we have been concerned for our sustainability in the rapidly changing world of education.

"Redstart have welcomed us with open arms and we are looking forward to supporting our partner schools and receiving the support that will enable us to retain and improve on our ‘outstanding’ status."

Holy Trinity C of E Primary will gain targeted support to improve teaching and learning. The school was judged as ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted in November 2016.

Steve Beynon, Head of the Interim Executive Board at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School said: “We are delighted a decision has been made as to our sponsor so we can move forward quickly to raise standards in our school working with The Redstart Learning Partnership.

"We are sure this move will enable staff and pupils to achieve the quality we know they are capable of and reassure parents and the wider community that Holy Trinity can once again provide a high standard of education.”

The other primary schools in the partnership are Buckland St Mary, Castle Primary School in Stoke sub Hamdon, Redstart in Chard and Minerva in Taunton.