Three Colne Valley primary schools have joined forces under one governing body and a single leadership team.

In 2008 Clough Head and Wellhouse schools at Golcar came together as the first ‘schools federation’ in Kirklees.

They have now been joined by Slaithwaite’s Wilberlee Junior and Infant School under the banner The Heights Federation.

The three schools will stay put and maintain their own identities and teaching staff but will come under one shared leadership team.

Wilberlee officially became part of the federation in September and the name – The Heights Federation – was suggested by Harriet Senior, a pupil at Clough Head Junior and Infant School.

She chose the name because the three schools are all high up on a hillside and have traditionally been part of a collaboration of small schools known locally as ‘The Heights.’

A newly-extended leadership team has been put in place to deal with the increased demands that three schools bring.

There is a team of over 50 dedicated staff working together to share skills and deliver high teaching standards.

Children at the three schools join together for special projects and there is now a federation choir called The Singing Squad which meets after school at Clough Head on Tuesdays.

Federation head Claire Kenworthy said it made sense for the schools to team up.

She added: “The three schools are very similar to each other in that they teach primary children from age four-11 years; they all have mixed age classes and they are similar in pupil number size with around 250 pupils.

“By working together and sharing resources and skills we can bring quality education, an enriched curriculum and a greater range of opportunities and extra-curricular activities.

“We are delighted to continue developing our federation and we have welcomed the staff, pupils, governors and parents of Wilberlee with open arms. We are looking forward to a strong and resourceful partnership.”