Proposals to merge the leadership of two Carlisle primary schools have been given the go-ahead.

The Diocese of Lancaster has given permission for the changes that will govern the Catholic primary schools of St Margaret Mary’s and St Cuthbert’s. The Department for Education is also happy with the move.

A new federation, which will have a new name, is being created to run the two schools.

It will have a single governing body and one headteacher – but the two schools will retain their own names, budgets and identities.

Governors stated during a recent consultation that the federation would help the schools provide a better quality of education.

The federation should also protect the long-term viability of both schools at a time when budgets and operations are coming under increasing pressure.

It will be able to save on overheads and running costs through joint purchasing powers and shared resources.

Chris Wilkins, who is currently in charge at St Margaret Mary’s School, Upperby, is expanding his role to be the headteacher of both schools.

Mr Wilkins said: “I’m really excited about working for the two schools.

“St Cuthbert’s at Botcherby has absolutely fantastic potential and parents should be really pleased that their children go there.

“They have small class sizes, beautiful buildings and staff know all their children well.

“I can’t wait to see more parents going there and recognising the opportunity.”

A headteacher for 13 years, Mr Wilkins has moved to allay concerns following the retirement of St Cuthbert’s School’s former headteacher Pauline Moss at Christmas. Experienced headteacher Jose Hodgkins, who leads Petteril Bank School in Harraby, stepped in to provide cover while the federation plans were being developed.

In a letter to parents of St Cuthbert’s School, Mr Wilkins said: “I want to bring stability to the school after several years of change.”

Unveiling his teaching team at the Botcherby school, Mr Wilkins has revealed he has appointed a leading Catholic academic and RE teacher.

Michael Merrick is leaving his head of RE role at Newman School and making the switch to primary education. He will take charge of the year five and six class at St Cuthbert’s School.

Mr Wilkins said: “He is an outstanding teacher and an academic.

“He is also a fantastic bridge between the parishes. He is in the parish and his children go to St Margaret Mary’s and he’s got a job at its sister school.

“We’re asked as primary schools to make children ready for secondary education and ready for a Catholic secondary education.

“This will go towards that.”

St Cuthbert’s School has just over 100 pupils while its Upperby partner has almost 240.