Proposed Federation from 1 November 2025

The document below outlines the proposal to combine the Durham Dales Federation of Hamsterley, St John’s Chapel and Wearhead Primary Schools together with The Dales Partnership of Butterknowle, Frosterley and Woodland Primary Schools to create a new larger federation of six small, rural schools. 

The Governing Boards of both existing federations believe that creating a larger federation of small schools led by a shared senior leadership team, will offer greater opportunities for pupils and for the sharing of staff expertise.  They also believe that gaining economies of scale and efficiencies, will help to maintain the financial viability of the schools moving forwards.