Two schools have agreed to work together in order to improve education for students across the region.

After 12 months of discussions, the Governors of Yarm School and Teesside High School have agreed to work together.

This cooperation is in the hopes of improving independent education in the Tees Valley, North Yorkshire and County Durham area.

Both schools offer an independent and co-educational education for students aged 3-18 years old.

The cooperation hopes to respond to recent political changes to the private education sector.

Rob Tindle, Chairman of Governors at Yarm School, said: “We share a commitment to enhance independent education in our region and to respond to some of the possible consequences of the political changes and impacts on the sector.”

He added: “The long term future of Teesside High School and independent education in the region has always been a Board priority.”

Mark Thompson, chairman of Governors at Yarm School, said: “This co-operation agreement will enable us to explore the best ways of working together whilst enabling each school to maintain its identity and independence.”

Rob Tindle, said: “Our objective is to maintain and extend our respective strengths and to deliver exceptional independent education to our pupils, parents and the region in this challenging environment.”

The initial programme analysis is expected to take between 12 and 18 months