THREE schools in Abingdon are hoping to unite with neighbouring educators to enrich the futures of thousands of pupils.

Fitzharrys and John Mason secondary schools are hoping to join in a multi-academy trust with Rush Common primary, and have encouraged other schools to join them.

The Abingdon Learning Trust would see them pool resources, expertise and back office facilities to share best practice and save money.

The schools would also share a board of directors or trustees and have launched a consultation with parents to get views on the plan.

The set-up would be the same as the Vale Academy Trust in Wantage which runs King Alfred's secondary and five primary schools.

John Mason headteacher Sarah Brinkley said: "We wanted a local solution where we could do something right for the children in Abingdon.

"After much investigation we feel this is a really exciting opportunity for schools and would like others to be involved – this is not an exclusive group.

"We believe it is right for the town, rather than competing against each other.

"All schools can benefit – there’s people power in that. Every child, regardless of background or disadvantage, deserves to have the best quality education. That’s the nature of teaching at its core. Sharing the best practices, ideas and resources is a really good foundation for a great town."

Mrs Brinkley said the consultation was "early days" but stressed to parents of the 1,000 children who attend John Mason that it was about "working together to improve things."

She added: "Children need to be able to get employed and they need to find out what they might be capable of."

The group grew from the Rush Common Academy Trust, adopted solely by Rush Common in 2012, which the school renamed at the start of September to welcome partners.

Jacquie Stevenson, acting headteacher of the school in Hendred Way, said: "We wanted a trust for our town.

"Everything is about the children – they have to be at the centre of everything."

She said the mix of primary and secondary schools would help smooth out the transition between the two.

Also hoping to join the trust is Jonathan Dennett, headteacher of Fitzharrys School in Northcourt Road.

He said: "This is a chance to shape something for Abingdon from the very beginning. We are committed to a great ethos and this partnership is the way forward. Our relationship is already very strong and we are looking to build on that with something more formal.

"It’s not just about resources, it’s also about learning expertise and sharing facilities. It’s collaboration, working together for the best of the children in Abingdon."

The schools have sent out letters to parents about the trust, which would encompass Abingdon and surrounding villages.

Fitzharrys said converting into an academy and partnering with the trust is "essential in securing success for students".