Our Federation

Our website is currently undergoing maintenance. Pages for Butterknowle, Frosterley, and Woodland Primary Schools will be available soon!

The Durham Dales Partnership is a group of six small rural primary schools that came together in November 2025.

Across the Partnership, staff work collaboratively, sharing expertise to plan and deliver a curriculum rich in skills and knowledge, ensuring that every pupil benefits from the same high‑quality learning experiences. We are inclusive schools with small class sizes, which means children receive tailored support that meets their individual needs.

Our pedagogy celebrates the unique and wonderful nature of the primary child and is shaped by current developments in cognitive research. We are passionate about outdoor learning, and our schools make full use of the beautiful landscapes around us to inspire curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.

To get a flavour of the exciting things happening across our Federation, take a look at our Facebook page and newsletters.

Sarah Hodgkinson & Richard Sains
Co‑Executive Headteachers