A city superhead has teamed up with a struggling primary school in a bid to push up standards.

Hove Park’s head Derek Trimmer will work with nearby West Blatchington Primary and Nursery School with the aim of raising its performance for Ofsted.

The governors of Hove Park School have agreed to the partnership arrangement with West Blatchington to support its efforts to become Ofsted rated “good” or “outstanding” by 2015.

In its last Ofsted report in February 2013, West Blatchington was rated as ‘requires improvement’ in all four areas assessed, including achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management.

Hove Park Ofsted report from February 2013 judged the school as good in the same four areas.

Rachel Simmonds is currently acting head teacher at West Blatchington Primary after the former head teacher retired in 2012.

Mr Trimmer will become the executive head teacher over both schools, while Ms Simmonds retains her position as the acting head teacher of West Blatchington.

Mr Trimmer said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for everyone to benefit from the shared practice and best expertise of both schools.

“Above all, it means putting children first and ensuring we do everything possible to guarantee their academic success.”

Pupil progress

Jo Lyons, assistant director for education and inclusion for Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “As part of our city wide strategy for school improvement, we encourage and commission good and outstanding schools to work with those schools that need to further develop and raise standards.

“We are therefore delighted Hove Park has agreed to work in collaboration with West Blatchington in this way and the council will be working in partnership with both schools and their governing bodies to provide continued support.”

Ms Simmonds said: “We are very excited to be entering this partnership with Hove Park School.

“It will allow us to build on the successful school improvement initiatives which we have already introduced.

“The experience of pupils and staff will be enhanced through the development of projects that will focus on pupil progress across the entire school age range.

“It will also be of great benefit to any families who select Hove Park Secondary School, as it will ensure that pupils’ education has the highest quality of continuity and progression at key transition points.”