Two neighbouring village schools could merge to become one all-through primary in autumn.

Eastern Daily Press: Mulbarton Infant and Junior Schools to merge. Headteacher Bev Theobold with some of the pupils. Picture: ANTONY KELLYMulbarton Infant and Junior Schools to merge. Headteacher Bev Theobold with some of the pupils. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Mulbarton Infant and Junior Schools, off The Common, have worked closely together in recent years, sharing staff meetings and organising joint activities for children.

But, from September, subject to formal agreement, they may officially combine as Mulbarton Primary School, headed up by current interim executive headteacher Bev Theobald.

'Though we had already started partnership agreement about three years ago, the resignation of the previous junior school headteacher last July gave us the opportunity to discuss the possibility of moving to a primary,' she said.

'It will have a massive impact around pupils' transition time and it means there can be a lot of consistency across both schools.'

She said the move would be likely to improve 'performance and attainment'.

'We won't have that drop where pupils have moved on to another school. By having the one school leadership team it means that they can be there through the whole process and there won't be that dip at the end of year two.'

And though she acknowledged there would be cash savings down the line, Mrs Theobald said the merger had not been motivated by budget pressures.

'There will be little things for parents, such as only having one uniform, and of course there will be some savings and economies of scale, but it really isn't a great amount,' she said.

'We decided to do this based far more on the children's experience and a belief that this really is best for them. We are really excited.'

To cope with both the proposed growth of Mulbarton and the surrounding villages, building work to expand the school would be in the pipeline as a long-term project.

Mrs Theobald said the results of a parent consultation - which came to a close in November - had been positive and parents seemed to be on board with the move.

There is still time to make representations on the merger.

Both schools boast a good Ofsted rating.

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