TWO Blackburn schools have revealed plans for closer links in a bid to improve standards.

Headteachers at Audley Junior and Audley Infants want the same-site schools to be seen as one institution with two headteachers.

Adrian Woods, new headteacher on the junior side for pupils aged seven to eleven, said closer liaison with Susan Grimshaw in the infants, where pupils are aged three to seven, will lead to improved standards.

Although the move is not an amalgamation, it will mean closer co-operation on the long term vision of the schools which are sited just metres apart in Queen's Park Road.

Building is already under way for a Sports and Arts in the Community building (SPACE) as well as plans for an all weather pitch to be used for both schools' pupils and their families.

Mr Woods, former school improvement officer for Blackburn with Darwen council, said: "The families are extremely keen and supportive and we have a unique chance to draw the two schools closer than ever before.

"We envisage one school with two headteachers, making it as big as some secondaries with some 700 pupils. With the build of the Sports and Arts in the Community centre we want to consolidate all the hard work that has gone on in the past few years to make the school a part of the community."

Mrs Grimshaw added: "Transition between Key Stages is always difficult for children, but by having greater links between the schools they will benefit from a more cohesive curriculum.

"We are looking forward to an exciting future on the Audley campus."