Sharing a headteacher will not be detrimental to children's learning but will protect the future of two rural schools, it has been claimed.

Erpingham and Northrepps Primary Schools will be deepening already close bonds in a model that new joint head teacher Angie Hamilton believes will enable them to thrive.

The Blue Sky Federation which launches next month is designed to secure the long term future of both schools.

It will see Northrepps head Ms Hamilton and Erpingham head Simon East initially sharing leadership roles.

Both headteachers are overseeing the launch of the federation before Mr East's retirement at the end of the summer term

Ms Hamilton will then take on the role of executive head teacher of both schools from September.

The move to federate will provide a 'unique opportunity' for the two schools according to Ms Hamilton. It follows an 18 month partnership arrangement between them.

'Our schools are going to work together much more as well as sharing good practice and resources,' said Mrs Hamilton.

'It is a model that will allow us to thrive and provide a really vibrant future.

'We have a similar ethos and character and a vision to enrich the curriculum through outdoor learning.'

She added: 'I have learned a huge amount from Simon from his relaxed, positive manner and way of explaining things in a way that people understand.'

The new federation will see a joint board of governors, teachers working across both schools and joint activities for children.

Erpingham currently has 55 pupils, with no pre-school, Northrepps has 32 pupils and 30 in pre-school.

Ms Hamilton said: 'I will be spending time in each school and devoting myself to being accessible to parents and pupils.

'I am a very organised person and live between each school so will just need to remember which way I am going each day.'