Ivanhoe College and Ashby School have joined forces to pool ideas and create "an exciting time for education in the local area".

Earlier this month, all staff from the schools - plus Ibstock Community College - came together for a development day.

A spokesperson for Ivanhoe College said: "The session included re-affirming the commitment to developing the 'whole student' and equipping them with knowledge and skills to be successful members of society beyond school. 

"In addition staff collaborated in subject areas on ways to ensure students benefit from knowledge rich curriculums that lead to academic success.

Reprenstatives of the area's schools met to pool ideas. Photo: Ivanhoe College

challenge between local schools as members of the LiFE MAT is the cornerstone of future success. 

In this area of Leicestershire, the group of schools is called the 'National Forest Hub'. 

At the moment this consists of Ivanhoe College, Ashby School and Ibstock Community College, and from the Autumn, the group will also be joined by two primary schools.

The Ivanhoe spokesperson added: "Particularly in Ashby it is very important that the two schools work together to give the best outcomes to all of our students, this includes collaborating on transition students from primary to secondary school. 

Ashby School is also part of the National Forest Hub

"This year Ivanhoe Headteacher Alison Allford and Ashby School Headteacher Dr Jude Mellor have made joint visits to feeder primary schools to meet Year 6 students, and all students attending the three schools have been issued a jointly created transition activity booklet.

"Each school will also be sharing best practice ideas to help the other schools overcome challenges from welcoming a new age group into their respective schools."