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SIX primary schools and Okehampton College will forge a united front for the future after creating a co-operative learning trust. The Dartmoor Co-operative Learning Trust, made up of Okehampton Primary, Bridestowe Primary, Boasley Cross Primary, Lydford Primary, Exbourne C of E Primary, North Tawton Primary and the college, officially launched on Friday, September 12. The co-operative school trust model enables those who are directly involved in the school, like parents and carers, staff and learners, to become engaged in its long-term strategic direction through membership of the trust. It will also allow those more indirectly involved such as other members of learners' families — and indeed the wider local community — to become involved. It also allows the schools to work together more closely to share ideas, and make the transition of pupils changing from primary to secondary education smoother. The schools will aim to adhere to the co-operative values of self help and responsibility, equality, equity and solidarity. Ian Courtenay, the trust's chair of governors, said: 'Each co-operative shares and believes in a set of values and principles which underpin how they run their organisations. 'As a group of schools we firmly agree with these values and we are excited by the opportunities that working together as the Dartmoor Learning Co-operative Trust will give us. 'I ask that everyone embraces these values and works co-operatively together to ensure all of us succeed as much as we possibly can.' Activities being planned for the coming academic year to promote togetherness in the trust include public speaking events, young co-operative councils, staff development groups, a stakeholder forum and more.