COUNTY education chiefs have taken the wraps off a public consultation on proposals to change age ranges at a number of schools in Pershore.
Schools in the town have asked for age ranges of the schools to be reviewed and changes to be coordinated for there to be a clear and consistent education pathway for children in Pershore.
The consultation runs until November 26 and will be an opportunity to share views about what is important about age ranges of schools and transitions.
Following a direct approach from Pershore schools last Autumn there has been a technical analysis to evaluate the risks and issues relating to the current organisation of the schools.
The education provision in Pershore mostly follows a three-tier journey, where pupils attend first schools from age 4-9, transfer to middle schools at age 9-12 and then transfer to high school at age 12 to complete their education.
Changes to schools in the Pershore education planning area over several years has led to uncertainty and sustainability concerns across the town as there now exists a mixture of two-tier and three-tier with some schools in this area already converted to primary and secondary schools.
Those schools that have already completed the transition will make no further changes.
The results of the consultation will be discussed at February’s Cabinet before a final decision is made for the Local Authority Maintained schools. The Regional Schools Commissioner and some governing bodies will also need to make final decisions in February in relation to other schools.
Coun Marcus Hart, cabinet member for Education said: “The County Council and Worcestershire Children First have been liaising with Pershore schools and Academy Trusts for some time now about the current school system in Pershore and their desire for a coordinated approach to change of age ranges that is clear and consistent for children and families.”
“The responses we receive will allow proposers and decision makers at the very earliest stage to ensure the needs of current residents as well as communities for generations to come will be met.”
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/pershorereview for more.
