AYLESTONE got some good news with confirmation of its pioneering partnership with Withington Primary School, which could show other schools the way to handle challenges posed by falling rolls and funding.

The college and school, some three miles apart, are to formally link up, or federate.

All the county’s schools are expected to have plans for closer working and resource sharing in place by the end of the year.

Steve Rogers, head of schools improvement at Herefordshire Council, said the link-up would bring long-term benefits to pupils at each school.

The link was made by unanimous vote and takes effect from September.

The governing bodies of both Aylestone and Withington have thanked “parents and interested parties” for contributions made during a six-week consultation.

Federation means the college and school retaining their individual identity, budget and Ofsted inspections, with financial and strategic management and resources being shared.

Despite obvious budget strains, Ofsted has recognised rapid improvement at Aylestone arresting an acknowledged decline in standards.

The college was in line for an £80 million re-build if Herefordshire Council got the money out the previous government’s Building Schools for the Future programme.

However, the future for the programme is now in doubt following the change in Government.