Three schools in County Durham have taken the first steps in a major initiative to further boost achievement of students in South West Durham and have won government finding of over £100,000 in the process.

Chilton Academy, Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College and Woodham Academy have decided to combine their strengths to help their students achieve at the next level in a group called the Eden Learning Trust.

Kevin Brennan, Headteacher of Ferryhill said “this is tremendous opportunity for the 3 highly successful schools to work together. Whilst each school will remain independent, there will be a raft of collaborative projects planned to help to boost the achiement of all our students.”

“We have a great starting point with Chilton being nationally recognised for its work with young people, Ferryhill with GCSE results often in the Top 10% and Woodham’s GCSE results this year that are simply outstanding. It’s a winning combination.”

CELEBRATE: Star pupils from Chilton Academy, Woodham Academy and Ferryhill Business & Enterprise College at the launch.

Christine Forsyth, Headteacher of Woodham Academy said “our focus will be the children and to ensure that we provide the very best quality of education, which ever school they may be in.”

Members of the 3 schools came together at Chilton Academy where children had organised a musical event to celebrate the launch.

Mrs Pybus Coates, Headteacher of Chilton Academy said “these are exciting times for the schools and we have already had interest from other schools in the area, asking to join in.”