CATHOLIC schools in Darlington and South Durham are joining forces to help maximise resources

Six months ago the Darlington Deanery Partnership was formed bringing together staff and governors from Carmel College, St Augustine's, St Bede's, Holy Family, St Teresa's and St Mary's School, Barnard Castle.

A recent conference heard that the partnership had already enjoyed considerable success and had drawn up plans for the future on issues including curriculum, student behaviour, attendance, special educational needs and bids for grants and charitable status.

Frances Shorten, head teacher of St Bede's School, which hosted the conference said: "Catholic schools have always worked together but this is an opportunity to formalise what is happening and realise the potential for the common good."

She said this had been helped by a £20,000 grant from the National College as one of just 200 projects in the UK to be supported.

This had allowed for the development of school business management, had helped look at head teacher workload, the establishment of a working group and how to secure savings.

Working closely with Avec, a Darlington based education services company, savings so far had included areas such as PAT testing appliances, insurance and Legionella screening.

The partnership had also been able to review ICT arrangements and increase the numbers of children receiving a free school meal.

Director of education for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle Joe Hughes said: "I am very encouraged by what is happening in the town and there is the opportunity for Darlington to become a beacon for the rest of the diocese."