MAJOR changes to Pershore’s school system could be on the way as residents are encouraged to have their say on proposals.
A consultation will explore proposals to change age ranges, combine schools and increase pupil numbers at educational establishments in and around Pershore.
The possible changes have been sparked by calls from schools to review Pershore’s current three-tier system, where pupils attend first schools from ages four to nine, middle schools from ages nine to 12 and then high school at age 12 to 16.
Some schools in the Pershore area have already completed the transition from three-tier to two-tier where pupils attend a primary school from ages four to 11 before beginning secondary school aged 11.
The consultation runs from September 2, 2024 to noon on September 29, 2024. Schools already converted to two-tier will not make any further changes.
Before final decisions are made in November 2024 the results of the consultations will be considered by local authority and educational representatives within the region.
The proposals could impact Abbey Park First & Nursery School, Abbey Park Middle School, Crowle CE First School, Defford-cum-Besford CE School, Fladbury First School, Pershore High School, Pinvin CE Academy, St Barnabas CE First and Middle School and Upton Snodsbury CofE First School.
Considerations will be made by Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for education, councillor David Chambers, the Department for Education’s Regions Group and the governing bodies of Defford-cum-Besford CE School and Upton Snodsbury CE First School.
Councillor Chambers said: “We have been actively collaborating with Pershore schools and Academy Trusts to develop a unified and transparent approach to changing age ranges in the school system.
“Parents, carers, pupils, school staff, and residents are encouraged to have their say on these proposed changes and help shape decisions that prioritise the education needs for current and future generations in the Pershore area.”
Following a direct approach from schools in the Pershore area in Autumn 2020, the local authority has worked closely with schools and the Department for Education (DfE) to evaluate the risks and issues relating to the current organisation of the schools in the area.
Together, the Council and DfE have also worked towards sourcing additional funding to support the expansion of Pershore High School to accommodate additional pupils who would transfer in Year 7 rather than Year 8.
Visit https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/pershorereview for more information.
