TWO secondary schools in Bolton could be the first in the borough to link up under the government's flagship academies programme.

Ladybridge High School and Little Lever High School are exploring the idea of breaking away from local authority control to become state-funded independent schools together under one umbrella converting to Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).

MAT is a way schools can work together under the government's academy programme .

There are four secondary academies — Essa Academy in Great Lever, Bolton St Catherine's Academy; Smithills Academy, Kearsley Academy — and, if successful, this will be the first in Bolton where two schools have teamed up to create a MAT.

The schools, both rated good by Ofsted, say that by working together they will be able "to share best practice, pool resources and learn from each other" to get the "very best outcomes" for pupils.

And the move will also allow them to have complete control over the budget "directly for the benefit" of the students.

Headteacher of Ladybridge School, Hilary D'Arcy said: "Over the last few months, the governing bodies of both schools have been exploring the idea of converting to Multi-Academy Trust status together.

"We have now entered the informal consultation stage with all stakeholders.

"Both schools are good schools with high attendance and a good reputation in our communities and beyond.

"Our capacity for continuous improvement is strong and it is our intention to build and to secure this capacity, both individually and collectively."

Phil Hewitt, head of Little Lever School, added: "With the majority of secondary schools nationally having already converted to academy status, there are clearly benefits to be gained and it is vitally important that we position the schools in the best way possible so that we can secure the brightest of futures for all.

"We believe that, together, we can make a real difference.

"While the creation of a Multi-Academy Trust would change our status in relation to the local authority (LA), we are absolutely committed to continuing to work in our already strong partnership with the LA and indeed all Bolton schools."