Reprieve for under-threat middle school in Northumberland

In January, governors at St Mary’s CE Middle School informed parents of a move to close at the end of the summer term due to a predicted fall in pupils numbers affecting financial viability.

But today, a letter from governors went out to parents and the community to say that ‘in light of the strong opposition to the closure proposal and the many requests for more time’, the school will remain open, at least until other options, such as establishing a primary school in the village, can be considered properly.

The letter accepts the strength of feeling in Belford, saying: ‘There was clear opposition to the proposed closure and concern was expressed about children having to travel significant distances to other schools, particularly those children in Years 5 and 6.

‘There was also concern expressed about the impact on the local community of any decision to close and the consequent viability of Belford as a village as a whole.’

However, it warns: ‘Our priority as governors is always to consider the educational experience we are able to offer to the children and we continue to have significant concerns that in light of the projected pupil numbers for September 2017, it is going to be extremely challenging to provide an adequate standard of education for children beyond that date.

‘It is going to be particularly difficult to ensure the appropriate levels of specialist staffing to deliver the necessary curriculum for children in Years 7 and 8 and we fully appreciate this is going to be especially challenging for existing staff, even given their commitment to the children.’

The letter adds: ‘We will review this situation in the near future. Sadly, it is likely to be necessary to undertake a further period of consultation to update parents and consider again viability and educational standards.’

Full text of the letter:

The consultation process has now concluded and the governors have considered responses from all stakeholders in detail, the school will remain open.

There was clear opposition to the proposed closure and concern was expressed about children having to travel significant distances to other schools, particularly those children in Years 5 and 6.

There was also concern expressed about the impact on the local community of any decision to close and the consequent viability of Belford as a village as a whole.

Our priority as governors is always to consider the educational experience we are able to offer to the children and we continue to have significant concerns that in light of the projected pupil numbers for September 2017 it is going to be extremely challenging to provide an adequate standard of education for children beyond that date.

It is going to be particularly difficult to ensure the appropriate levels of specialist staffing to deliver the necessary curriculum for children in years 7 and 8 and we fully appreciate this is going to be especially challenging for existing staff, even given their commitment to the children.

However, in light of the strong opposition to the closure proposal and the many requests for more time to consider alternative possibilities we have decided to cease the consultation at this stage to enable us to have more time to investigate alternative options.

One option suggested by many parents in response to the consultation was that a primary school should be established in the village and we want to allow some more time for the Northumberland County Council to consider this. We as a governing body support this wholeheartedly.

This is not something that could now be achieved by September 2017 due to statutory timescales and would ultimately be a decision for the cabinet of NCC.

However, in light of the strength of feeling from our parents and the wider community and despite reservations, we want to ensure there is time for them to fully to explore this possibility.

We will review this situation in the near future. Sadly, it is likely to be necessary to undertake a further period of consultation to update parents and consider again viability and educational standards.

We as a governing body are fully committed to supporting our staff in raising standards.

We will be supported by the Diocese and the Council as we move forwards and would like to thank you all for your full engagement with the consultation process.