Successful school partnerships depend on a clear vision for improvement

Many of the 72 federated schools in Wales have fewer than 150 pupils and around half are Welsh-medium. By pooling resources, many schools have overcome the challenges of attracting staff, managing finances and falling pupil numbers.  

Claire Morgan, Strategic Director, says,

Federating schools can have many benefits when it happens for the right reasons and is carried out in the right way.

Before committing to federation, leaders should consider the long-term aims and how formally working together will benefit pupils’ performance.

Federations also need to work equally closely with parents, learners and staff from all involved schools to listen and act on their views to avoid misconceptions about the partnership.

Our report and its good practice can be used by schools considering federation and to help those already sharing governance arrangements.

In Carmarthenshire, staff who are part of a federation of three rural Welsh-medium schools view themselves as one team. Strong leadership in Ysgol Carwe, Ysgol Ponthenri and Ysgol Gwynfryn has helped teachers and assistants to understand the work of all three schools and share strategy and aims across their community.

Federated schools that focus strongly on improving outcomes for pupils and listen carefully to the views of their community are able to benefit more quickly from working together.