The head of a top-rated school is set to take charge at its struggling neighbour in a bid to boost standards.

Nathalie Bull, currently headteacher at Singlegate Primary in Colliers Wood, will also take the reins at William Morris Primary School in Mitcham from September as she leads both schools in a new federation - the first such arrangement in Merton.

A Merton Council spokesman said both schools would keep seperate identities and budgets, but will be overseen by one governing body.

Chris Young, the chair of governors at William Morris Primary School, said: “This is the start of a new era for both schools - a thrilling opportunity.”

His school’s overall effectiveness and potential for improvement were rated inadequate by government inspectors in a report published in January. They noted attendance was low, and said pupils were “not adequately prepared for the next stage of their education” when they left.

Their report also said: “Too many lessons are unchallenging and too little is expected of the pupils.”

Singlegate was rated outstanding in its last inspection. This week a council spokesman praised Ms Bull’s “strong management and leadership”, and said the new arrangement would bring the Mitcham school greater education success.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for education, Peter Walker, said: “This new federation will ensure all the children at both schools are provided with an excellent primary education to motivate and prepare them for their future secondary education and, looking to the long-term, their chosen career paths beyond school.”