Two secondary schools are poised to strengthen their links further with a move to become a trust.

Governors of The Malling School in East Malling and Snodland’s Holmesdale Technology College are due to rubber-stamp the proposal to become a trust this week.

The move will see the schools, which are already linked as a federation, establish closer formal partnerships with a number of other organisations and businesses.

One of the aims of becoming a trust is to help schools improve and develop their curriculum in ways aimed at enhancing students’ job prospects.

The scheme was introduced in 2006 as part of a package of Government reforms.

Trust status will also ensure the schools’ links with its partners are maintained and strengthened.

The two schools, which together have about 1,300 pupils, will continue to have a governing body. However, in addition, there will be a trust board made up chiefly of representatives from its partners.

These will be Mid Kent College, Buckmore Park Kart Circuit and Learning Zone and The Village Hotel, Maidstone.

Ian Hobson, executive headteacher, said: “It can only be positive. It will give children an education more relevant to the world of work.”

He emphasised the schools would retain their independence and continue to specialise in certain subjects and manage their own budgets.

The Malling School is waiting to hear if its bid to the Government to become a specialist sports college has been approved.

Schools with trust status are responsible for employing and appointing staff, are responsible for the school’s buildings and set their own admissions arrangements, so long as they comply with the statutory admissions code.