TWO of the North-East's multi academy trusts have announced plans to merge in a move that will affect seven schools, 4,000 children and 600 staff.

The Education Village Academy Trust in Darlington and Endeavour Academies in Middlesbrough are looking to join together to form an enlarged trust – Endeavour Schools and Academies Trust (ESAT).

The Darlington schools involved are Haughton Academy, Beaumont Hill Academy, Springfield Academy, Marchbank Free School and Gurney Pease Academy.

These schools will work together with Middlesbrough schools, Macmillan Academy and Archibald Primary School, creating a range of primary, secondary, post-16 and special education provision all within one trust.

Bosses say the aim of the formal merger is to combine governance, leadership and teaching expertise, to provide the best education possible to children and improve standards further, as well as be more financially efficient.

Over the past three years several of the schools have been working together on projects in English, maths and leadership development, many of which have been delivered through the Macmillan Teaching School Alliance.

A four-week consultation has been launched on the move, and bosses say there will be no job losses as a result of the merge.

Mike Butler, chief executive of The Education Village Academy Trust, said: “We have had a close relationship with Endeavour for a long time, which has been to mutual benefit. When I see the amazing work being produced by their pupils, I can’t wait for us to work even more closely.

“The new arrangement would be a twin hub model, ensuring that local needs continue to be met locally.

"With five good schools, including two offering specialist provision, and two others which are rapidly improving, the emboldened trust would be more attractive still to anyone else looking to join a successful MAT.”

Phil Latham, Endeavour Academies chief executive, added: "EVAT and Endeavour have worked together for a number of years and merging formally is a logical extension of the shared practice currently being developed across the two trusts.

“As the system of MATs develops, it is clear that larger trusts will be able to provide a greater range of opportunities for staff and students. We are excited about the prospect of working together and extending our partnership further.”