Norton Hill, Somervale and High Littleton Primary –
A National First!

On August 1st 2014, High Littleton Church of England Primary School converted to academy status and joined the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership.

The Department for Education confirmed that this is the first time that a Church school has federated with non-church schools and sets a precedent for schools nationally to follow suit. High Littleton, graded ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED in May 2014, have joined with Norton Hill and Somervale to further improve educational standards and to increase opportunities for all children in the local area.

Alun Williams – Headteacher of Norton Hill and Somervale

‘This is a fantastic development for all three schools and secures still further our excellent partnership with High Littleton. There are so many more possible opportunities; from the sharing of outstanding teaching across the schools to the shared use of facilities. I am particularly excited by the possibility of an even better transition between primary and secondary school for children within the federation’. Alun Williams

Gareth Griffith – Headteacher of High Littleton Church of England Primary School

‘It has been a long process, but definitely worth the investment of time. Children from High Littleton are already using food technology facilities at Norton Hill and we are also preparing training materials on the new Key Stage 2 curriculum for English and Maths teachers at both Norton Hill and Somervale. This sharing of information, facilities and a continued focus on improving all three schools is deeply exciting and is exactly what we should be doing for the local area’. Gareth Griffith

Alun Williams went on to add; ‘I hope other primary schools follow the example set by High Littleton. I have nothing but praise for their Governors, staff and indeed the parents of children at the school. Working together more effectively must be a good thing for all children across the area and will no doubt help us continue to achieve high standards and help children to challenge themselves to be the very best they can’.

Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership