Following clear support from schools to enter into a consultation on education in the west of the county, Northumberland County Council is proposing to carry out an informal consultation to understand what the community sees as a way forward for a sustainable education system in the area.
This request for an informal consultation will be made by officers to the Council Cabinet at the meeting on the 19th December 2017.
If approval is given, the consultation would take place in two stages. The first phase would seek the views of leaders in schools and academies in the west, on the challenges and opportunities they face. This would take place 11 – 26 January 2018.
The second phase of consultation would seek the views of the wider community including parents, teachers, governors and pupils. This would run from 5 February – 9 April 2017.
Councillor Wayne Daley, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Children’s Services at Northumberland County Council said: “The recent withdrawal of Bright Tribe Trust as sponsor of Haydon Bridge High School has the potential to have a significant impact on the area. We feel this is the right time to identify an education solution for the west of Northumberland, that is fit for the future.
“Officers will seek approval from the Council’s Cabinet to work with leaders in local schools in the first instance to look at potential options going forward, which may result in wider informal consultation.
“Delivering a good quality sustainable education in Northumberland remains a priority for us and the local authority continues to work with all involved for the benefit of the children in the area.”