Schools and academies within Bolton are gathered into geographical cluster groups and representatives from each school meet on a regular basis to discuss issues affecting schools and academies. These groups were initially established as a network for head teachers and due to their success, a separate group for governors matched with the same geographic clusters were established in some areas.

The Primary Head Teacher clusters are managed by the ‘Bolton Primary Head Teacher’ Group and the Secondary cluster is managed by the Bolton Learning Partnership. These groups work together with Bolton Council to ensure joint working and partnership within the Bolton family.

There are 10 clusters in the primary sector and 1 cluster in the secondary sector. A copy of the primary cluster grouping model can be downloaded below. Further information about the ‘Bolton Learning Partnership’ for Secondary Schools and Academies can be found selecting the following website LINK

Meeting as a cluster can be beneficial in the following ways:

• Schools in similar areas have many factors in common -maintaining links between schools.
• Provide a support network.
• Share knowledge and information.
• Raise profile of initiatives and council services.
• Training sessions can be commissioned and tailored to the cluster’s needs.
• Cost of commissioned training is shared with the cluster schools.
• Getting together creates opportunities to share good practice as well as problems and solutions.

Through the Governance Development Officer, governor cluster meetings can be arranged and training and development can be provided or brokered through the groups.  Contact with each group is usually made via a head teacher or governor cluster representative.

To discuss how a governor cluster can be established or for further information about shared development and training in your cluster group, please contact Marie Ahmad, Governance Development Officer via email at marie.ahmad@bolton.gov.uk.