TWO Devon village primaries want to launch a pioneering educational federation to enhance their pupils' learning.

The governors of Bradford and Bridgerule primaries are considering working more closely together by forming the Tamar and Torridge Federation.

They say the proposal would ensure the continuity of leadership for both schools whilst maintaining high standards in teaching and learning and enhancing pupils' overall educational experience.

The schools are already cooperating with a management partnership under headteacher Matthew Barnes.

While each school's unique individual ethos and values would be maintained and the current class structure would continue, there would be greater opportunities to share the skills of individual staff across both schools under an executive headteacher.

A wide-ranging consultation exercise has been launched for parents and the wider community to have their say.

The plan has already won the backing of the head and governing bodies of the two schools. They want to introduce the federation from September 2009.

Bridgerule chair of governors, Cindy Neep, and Bradford chair of governors, Bob Paterson, said: "We foresee great opportunities under this proposal for much more effective use of resources and for ensuring that the pupils of Bridgerule and Bradford schools have access to a wider and more flexible curriculum. Federation will allow us to create a richer and sustainable ­educational experience for children in their own ­communities.

"The children will have the chance to socialise more widely and there will be more opportunities for wider out of class provision, better options for residential education and improved opportunities for joint educational, social and drama events."

Responses to the consultation should be addressed to the chairs of governors at the individual schools and the final date for ­comments is May 8.