A GROUNDBREAKING initiative uniting schools and councils is hoping to boost standards of education.

Rochford District Council has teamed up with two schools to set up the Rochford District Schools Partnership Trust, which will work with education authority Essex County Council.

It is the first district council in the UK to take a key role in the formation of a schools partnership trust and will be working with the King Edmund School in Rochford and the FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh.

The scheme aims to involve different types of organisations in providing education, including local businesses.

Lesley Butcher, district councillor responsible for young people, said: “It is extremely exciting for Rochford District Council to be the first district local authority to be a key player in a partnership of this nature which will expand opportunities within our community.

“We are looking at all the schools, from junior schools to post-16 learning, working together instead of being in competition.

“Our long-term vision is for local businesses to help provide jobs, training and apprenticeships for youngsters.”

Graham Abel, headteacher of the King Edmund School, added: “The emphasis is on collaboration rather than competition between educational establishments to give the best possible options for learning to people throughout their lives.”