THESE are some of the cheeky and chirpy faces of pupils whose schools have joined forces to better their futures.

Clifton Hampden and Culham Parochial church of England primary schools, situated in neighbouring villages, will soon share a headteacher and governing committee.

Lindsay Priddle, who has been headteacher of Clifton Hampden since 2009 and joined Culham in January to trial the partnership, said: "It's basically for the sustainability of the schools. One had issues with recruiting a headteacher so the idea was to share resources. It's two small schools working together and sharing good teaching.

"We are hoping to have a big celebration event with everybody together in a few weeks.

"The schools are lovely to work in - they have very much got a family feel and everybody gets on."

The schools, which educate about 130 children between them, have created the Thames Bridge Federation which will come into force on October 1.

Chair of governors Lisa Penton said: "This formal link gives us greater flexibility and sustainability for the future."

Parent Gill Greenway, who has three children at Culham School, said: "It offers better security for both schools long term. I look forward to seeing our lovely little school grow."

In February the school in Clifton Hampden celebrated an Ofsted label of ‘good’, matching Culham’s last report in 2013 after it bounced back from near-closure.