Two of Dorking's biggest primary schools are set to come under the same headteacher by September.

St John's C of E Community School in Goodwyns Road and St Martin's C of E Primary School in Ranmore Road are entering into a "soft federation" where-by they will share one executive headteacher.

The schools will remain on two sites and maintain their separate names.

It is envisaged from September 2010, Jane Gorecka, head at St Martin's, will become executive headteacher – subject to the formal appointment process.

Mrs Gorecka said: "Since September, 2008, St Martin's has been providing leadership support to St John's.

"This arrangement has been a great success and has positively contributed to St John's recovery from its past difficulties, resulting in a greatly improved Ofsted report in March, 2009.

"The quality of teaching and learning there is now very sound and there is a very positive feeling about the future.

"Looking to the future, Surrey County Council and the Diocese of Guildford asked St Martin's governing body to consider a longer-term relationship with St John's.

"At St Martin's, we are very excited about the opportunity to work alongside the staff at St John's to secure the future of both schools."

In September, 2007, St John's was put into special measures by Ofsted inspectors.

But the school celebrated in March, 2009, when major improvements at the school saw it judged as satisfactory with many "good" elements.

Sue Rudd, deputy headteacher at St John's, said: "Everyone at St John's is very excited and positive about the prospect of a permanent future for the school in order to continue to raise standards.

"There will be no changes in staff at St John's and we look forward to working closely with the new executive headteacher and the team at St Martin's."

Parents have also reacted positively to the news.

Karen Coleman, of Rushett Drive, who has two children at St John's, said: "The school has been brought right up, and I know St Martin's has been working with the school for the last year and it has been really good.

"I was at the verge of taking both my children out of the school when it was really bad but hopefully now it will continue to be as good as it has been."

Claire Gocher, who has a child at St John's, said: "The amount of support from St Martin's has done wonders for the school. The school has gone from strength to strength and I can only see it getting better."

Paul Finch, of Leslie Road, whose 10-year-old daughter attends St Martin's, said: "I am in two minds about it.

"I think it will be positive to combine resources but I don't like that we weren't told about it when the Pixham Annexe was being closed."