Options Document

DEVELOPING AN EDUCATION SERVICE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

TOWARDS A COUNTY PLAN

OPTIONS DOCUMENT

CONTENTS

Glossary 3 Introduction 4 Background 4 The Way Forward 4 Vision 4 Learning in Northumberland 5 Consultation and Communication 5 Building Schools for the Future - Outcome of Consultation 6 What Makes the Northumberland Expression of Interest in BSF Unique? 6 The Options 7 North Northumberland 8 • Alnwick Partnership 8 • Berwick Partnership 10 • Coquet Partnership 13 South East Northumberland 15 • Blyth Partnership 15 • Cramlington Partnership 17 • Seaton Valley Partnership 19 • Roman Catholic Partnership 21 Central Northumberland 22 • Ashington & Hirst Partnership 22 • Bedlington Partnership 25 • Morpeth Partnership 27 West Northumberland 29 • Haydon Bridge Partnership 29 • Hexham Partnership 32 • Ponteland Partnership 34 • Prudhoe Partnership 36 Appendix B – Timeline 38 Appendix B – Schools by Area/Partnership 39

2 GLOSSARY

Primary For children 3 or 4 – 11 years of age

Secondary For children 11 – 19 years of age

Junior High For children 11 – 14 years of age

Senior High For children 14 – 19 years of age

Hard Federation Where two or more schools are managed by one head teacher and governed by one body.

Soft Federation Where two or more schools’ governing bodies agree some common management and governance arrangements

Extended School Where services such as health, social services and libraries are delivered on the extended school site.

Local Provision Where the education of some of the secondary school’s pupils (11 – 13/14) is provided on a school site in their locality.

Satellite A ‘hub’ school providing education via satellite school sites to meet local community needs and sharing teaching resources.

Surplus Places The difference between the number of pupils a school can accommodate (capacity) and the actual number of pupils on roll.

KS3 Key Stage 3 of the national curriculum – years 7, 8 and 9 (11 – 14 year olds)

KS4 Key Stage 4 of the national curriculum – years 10 and 11 (14 – 16 year olds)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

The major catalyst for developing a new approach to school organisation in Northumberland has come through the opportunity to express an interest in Building Schools for the Future (BSF), which is the government’s new initiative for developing 21st Century learning environments for every secondary school in the country. As such the scheme cuts across the present pattern of school organisation as the scheme applies only to KS3 and KS4 pupils. At the same time the recent LEA Ofsted Inspection report commented on the need to act more quickly on the issue of surplus places and there has been a longstanding concern about the excessive cost of maintaining too many school buildings many of which are in poor condition.

2. THE WAY FORWARD

This document sets out possible options based on the premise that the age of transfer in Northumberland will be at 11 years of age reflecting the outcome of the last round of consultation and the requirements of Building Schools for The Future. We expect to hear the outcome of our expression of interest in BSF in April 2004.

The possible options for each Partnership and the scenarios described are not necessarily always mutually exclusive and further options may yet emerge from this process. The building blocks for the future are the school partnerships and a number of Partnerships have put forward their own suggestions, which are summarised here, and other suggestions are also put forward. This is still very much work in progress in that the period from February to May will be used to work through a technical appraisal and feasibility study of the options. This will then be developed into a County Plan, which will be put forward for public consultation in May – September with a report to the Council in October 2004. This would be followed with the publication of Public Notices with a further opportunity for views to be expressed. The anticipated timeline is attached as Appendix A.

At present the target for implementation is September 2006, which was the basis of our expression of interest in Building Schools for the future. This date will be reviewed in the light of the options appraisal and the decision from the DfES on BSF.

The options are for mainstream education only, although the meetings with individual schools will address the implications for special education units on mainstream school sites. A report on special education provision will be provided at a future date.

The successful implementation of the County Plan will require a comprehensive review of the school catchment areas, admissions policy and travel arrangements.

A high priority will be the arrangements for supporting staff, governors and pupils; ensuring minimum disruption to children’s education through the process of any changes; maintaining staff morale; seeking agreement on redeployment arrangements between schools should any changes be proposed; and ensuring clear and regular communication. If changes to the age of transfer are agreed, arrangements will be made to enable a smooth transition for pupils to their new schools.

3. VISION

Creating Excellence – Putting the Learner First

There is a unique opportunity to develop a new approach to learning that maximises the use of our resources, creates state of the art learning environments and harnesses a number of new government initiatives, so that all children, young people 4 and adults can fulfil their potential. Education in Northumberland in the 21st Century will have the following features:

• Schools organised in Partnerships with an age of transfer at 11 yrs with local provision suiting local needs in the distribution of centres of learning. • Flexible learning environments rich in ICT that enable an individualised approach to learning with broadband Internet and video conferencing facilities • A network of Extended Schools with integrated family and community services based on school partnerships providing libraries, arts and leisure provision for the community as a whole, based on schools partnerships • Integrated children’s services based in and around schools as set out in the Government Green Paper Every Child Matters • Learning Villages with co-location of special needs, health and community facilities • Schools organised in formal federations as a group of schools offering flexibility in the use of staffing, assets and resources. • Viable schools with new learning environments with a better range of specialist resources and a broader curriculum offer • Higher standards of education throughout the system • Personalised learning that puts the learner first with strong partnerships at every level • Improved facilities for educational and social inclusion

4. LEARNING IN NORTHUMBERLAND

There are many exciting and innovative approaches to learning in Northumberland in a number of initiatives such as Thinking Skills, Accelerated Learning, and RAISE. There are a number of projects that make sure that schools and parents work together –in essence successful learning depends on effective partnerships. The emphasis today is on personalised learning with the learner taking responsibility for his or her own learning, learning how to learn, to be a life long learner.

The County Council recognizes the need to support learning more effectively and develop a coherent strategy that addresses the problems facing the service of poor buildings, poor budgets and surplus places. We have not before approached these issues in a coherent way or tried to develop a strategy based on a bottom up approach.

Furthermore there is need for all partners and agencies involved in Learning in Northumberland to pull together in the interests of learners with an agreed strategy to raise aspirations and develop a culture of achievement. A new Charter for Learning is being developed between the LEA, the LSC and the Northumberland Local Strategic Partnership and it is intended to invite schools, and local employers to be part of this concordat.

5. CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION

In order to develop a culture of trust and working together between the County Council and schools a number of communication events have been organised across the County and will continue in the future. It is clear that the School Partnerships offer robust building blocks for the future development of education in Northumberland in both the rural and urban areas.

Taking a bottom up approach does create more uncertainty and anxiety but the outcome will be much better and our plans need to be thought through to meet the needs of the next 20 - 30 years.

The School Partnerships have the potential to be the basis of school organisation in many parts of the County as well as being the foundation for the development of

5 integrated services and devolution of service delivery. Through school partnerships it will be possible to develop a partnership framework for the formal involvement of Head Teachers and Governors in the development of local educational strategy with the LEA.

The individual school visits will enable a discussion of the options including, where appropriate:

• The school’s age range/capacity/forms of entry • Catchment areas • Possibilities for federations and combining schools • Opportunities for resiting schools • Implications for possible school closures • Building needs • Staffing implications • Governance arrangements • Extended school opportunities • Implications for SEN provision

6. BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE - OUTCOME OF CONSULTATION

The vast majority of schools support a change to the age of transfer to 11 years of age if this would lead to really significant investment in our schools, deal with the issue of surplus places and poor buildings in a coherent way, and develop learning facilities for the next generation. Individual responses referred to advantages in having continuity and progression in the national curriculum. There was real enthusiasm for Extended Schools and it was stressed that there was a need to have local provision to avoid long travel times for children.

There are 5 School Partnerships that submitted their own corporate proposals with varying degree of detail proposing formal Federations. The Roman Catholic Education Diocese have indicated that they wish to move to a primary /secondary school system.

There was significant interest in exploring Federations in rural areas adopting an approach similar to Team Ministries in the Church of England.

There are 4 Partnerships where there is a mixture of ideas though all supporting a change in the Age of transfer and 1 Partnership, which wanted to keep the status quo.

There is a minority of individual schools, mainly Middle schools, which are opposed to the proposed changes and a view that the present system is successful and should not be altered.

7. WHAT MAKES THE NORTHUMBERLAND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST IN BSF UNIQUE?

• It is a County Plan, involving reorganisation of all schools in Northumberland and using the Council’s capital funding and capital receipts from releasing sites in order to extend and improve the primary phase accommodation (this will include some 20 new primary schools). • The LSC are fully supportive of this strategy and will be involved with the planning and development of facilities for post-16 provision and lifelong learning as part of an integrated Learning Plan for Northumberland. • The strategy has been developed in partnership with schools and other stakeholders, taking a ‘bottom up’ approach to developing the specific proposals for each School Partnership as well as ideas for Extended Schools, federations

6 and inclusion, which the Council sees as key to raising standards and regenerating communities. • The strategy fully embraces the proposals in the Children’s Green Paper ‘Every Child Matters’ and builds on the Council’s recent Best Value Review of Children’s Services and plans for a Children’s Trust by January 2005. • Northumberland is the focus in the North East for the ASPIRE Project. • The proposals will remove about 3000 surplus places, and reduce the number of schools by some 25%, increasing the capacity and viability of schools overall. • The Council is commissioning a Property Company to develop plans for ‘bringing forward’ capital receipts in order to fund building work for Primary Schools, so enabling the creation of 11-19 Secondary Schools through funding under ‘Building schools for the Future’.

8. THE OPTIONS

The following is a summary of the main options set out on a School Partnership basis. These are suggestions put forward either by Partnerships, individual schools or by the LEA.

They are put forward for further consultation and discussion and at the same time it is intended to carry out an option appraisal of these options in close collaboration with individual schools and partnerships during February to May. These can be adapted, if necessary, when we know the DfES response to our expression of interest in BSF in April. At present 2006 is the suggested date for the change to the Age of Transfer as most respondents urged that any change should happen quickly to reduce uncertainty but managed carefully in the interests of children and staff.

One outcome of the following options would be the reduction in surplus places across the County from 8.0% to 2.8%. By geographic area, this represents:

Current/ With No Change Options

West Northumberland 2.5% 1.3%

South East Northumberland 6.7% 3.8%

Central Northumberland 8.6% 1.1%

North Northumberland 16.4% 6.2%

(All calculations are based upon projected pupil numbers for 2006)

AREA: NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND

PARTNERSHIP: ALNWICK

BACKGROUND

There are currently 18 schools in the Alnwick Partnership comprising 1 High School, 3 Middle Schools and 14 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially rural with a total school population of 3,072 (2006 projection 2,987). There are 448 (13.1%) surplus places across the partnership and 6.7% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

Of the fifteen responses received from schools, fourteen suggested an age of transfer at 11 years of age. It was proposed that this be achieved through Primary Schools (3/4 – 11) and either a Secondary School (11 – 19) or Junior High School(s) (11 – 14) federated with a 14 – 19 Senior High School.

The school/partnership responses suggested a number of federations between schools.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • The Duchess’s High school becomes an 11-19 secondary school on a new site • Middle schools close • First schools become primary schools on their existing sites

Option 2: • The Duchess’s High becomes an 11-19 secondary school on a new site • Middle schools close • Whittingham becomes a primary school with satellite provision on the Branton site, and Branton school closes • Felton and Swarland combine to form a new primary school on the Felton site • Seahouses becomes a primary school on the middle school site • All other first schools become primary school

Option 3: • The Duchess’s High becomes an 11-19 secondary school on a new site • Middle schools close • Branton and Whittingham combine to form a new primary school on the Whittingham site • Felton and Swarland combine to form a new primary school on the Felton site • Seahouses becomes a primary school on the middle school site • All other first schools become primary schools

POSSIBLE FEDERATIONS

• Branton with Whittingham • Swarland, Shilbottle and Felton • Swarland and Felton • Ellingham and Embleton

8 Alnwick Partnership of Schools

Current Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Possible Possible Possible Total pupils Capacity locations/new Capacity locations/new Capacity locations/new Capacity on roll schools/closures schools/closures schools/closures

Primary Alnwick South 235 226 Primary School 315 Primary School 315 Primary School 315 Close. Becomes a Combine with satellite of Branton 40 20 Primary School 40 40 Whittingham to form 0 Whittingham Primary School Primary Chatton CE 40 23 Primary School 40 Primary School 40 Primary School 40 Eglingham CE 50 34 Primary School 50 Primary School 50 Primary School 50 Ellingham CE 67 33 Primary School 67 Primary School 67 Primary School 67 Embleton Vincent Edwards CE 56 42 Primary School 56 Primary School 56 Primary School 56 Combine with Combine with Swarland to form Swarland to form Felton CE 110 73 Primary School 110 210 210 Primary School on Primary School on the Felton site the Felton site Hipsburn 90 65 Primary School 105 Primary School 105 Primary School 105 Longhoughton CE 147 137 Primary School 175 Primary School 175 Primary School 175 Primary on Middle Primary on Middle Seahouses 115 89 Primary School 140 140 140 School site School site Shilbottle 85 60 Primary School 85 Primary School 85 Primary School 85 St Michaels CE 210 179 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Combine with Felton Combine with Felton to form Primary to form Primary Swarland 110 91 Primary School 140 0 0 School on the Felton School on the Felton site site Combine with Primary School with Branton to form Whittingham CE 75 67 Primary School 90 satellite provision at 90 130 Primary School on Branton Whittingham site

1430 1139 1623 1583 1583

Secondary Alnwick Lindisfarne 531 450 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

Alnwick The Dukes 312 239 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0 Seahouses Middle 136 133 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

979 822 0 0 0

11-19 Secondary 11-19 Secondary 11-19 Secondary The Duchess's High 1017 1111 1700 1700 1700 school on new site school on new site school on new site

1017 1111 1700 1700 1700

Totals 3426 3072 3323 3283 3283

PARTNERSHIP: BERWICK

BACKGROUND

There are currently 21 schools in the Berwick Partnership comprising 1 High School, 4 Middle Schools and 16 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially rural with a total school population of 2,973 (2006 projections 2,907). There are 523 (15.0%) surplus places across the partnership and 11.2% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

The responses from schools in the Berwick Partnership recognised the advantages of not splitting the key stages, and the majority wanted primary schools (4 – 11) feeding secondary school (11 – 19). Seven of the seventeen responses were interested in considering a junior high school with an age range of 11 – 14 years.

Suggestions included a 3 – 19 years age range Learning Campus south of the River Tweed, combining some first and middle schools to create schools for the 4 – 14 years age range, and some hard federations.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • Berwick High becomes an 11-19 secondary school • Middle schools close • Berwick St Mary’s combines with Holy Trinity to form a primary school on Berwick Middle site • Lowick becomes a primary school • Holy Island closes and becomes a satellite of Lowick, with education continuing to be provided in the school on Holy Island • Horncliffe and Norham combine to form a primary school in a new building in Norham • Wooler becomes a primary school with satellite primary provision on the Milfield site, and Milfield school closes • All other first schools become primary schools

Option 2: • Berwick High becomes an 11-19 secondary school with local provision for 11-14 year olds on the Berwick Middle site • Middle schools close • Lowick First becomes a primary school • Holy Island closes and becomes a satellite of Lowick, with education continuing to be provided in the school on Holy Island • Horncliffe and Norham combine to form a primary school in a new building in Norham • Belford First becomes a primary school on the middle school site • Wooler First becomes a primary school on the middle school site • All other first schools become primary schools

10 Option 3: • Berwick High becomes a 14- 19 senior high school federated with an 11-14 junior high school, which is located on the Berwick Middle site • Middle schools close • Lowick First school becomes a primary school • Holy Island closes and becomes a satellite of Lowick, with education continuing to be provided in the school on Holy Island • Horncliffe and Norham combine to form a primary school in a new building in Norham • Belford First becomes a primary school on the middle school site • Wooler First becomes a primary school on the middle school site • All other first schools become primary schools

POSSIBLE FEDERATIONS

• St Cuthbert’s, Berwick St Mary’s and Holy Trinity • Berwick St Mary’s and Holy Trinity • Cornhill, Milfield and Hugh Joicey • Cornhill and Norham • Hugh Joicey and Lowick • Wooler and Milfield • Scremerston and Spittal

11 Berwick Partnership of Schools

Primary

Primary on Middle Primary on Middle Belford First 150 80 Primary School 120 120 120 School site School site

Combine with Holy Trinity to form CE Berwick St Marys CE 110 110 0 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School on Berwick Middle site

Cornhill 60 50 Primary School 90 Primary School 90 Primary School 90 Close. Becomes a Close. Becomes a Close. Becomes a Holy Island CE 25 5 satellite of Lowick 25 satellite of Lowick 25 satellite of Lowick 25 Primary Primary Primary Combine with Berwick St Mary's Holy Trinity CE 150 141 to form CE Primary 0 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 School on Berwick Middle site

Combined with Combined with Combined with Horncliffe 40 9 Norham to form 0 Norham to form 0 Norham to form 0 Primary in Norham Primary in Norham Primary in Norham Hugh Joicey CE 40 37 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Primary School Primary School Primary School with with satellite with satellite Lowick 50 29 50 50 satellite provision at 50 provision at Holy provision at Holy Holy Island Island Island Close. Becomes a Milfield 20 13 satellite of Wooler 20 Primary School 20 Primary School 20 Primary Combined with Combined with Combined with Norham 45 37 Horncliffe to form 90 Horncliffe to form 90 Horncliffe to form 90 Primary in Norham Primary in Norham Primary in Norham Scremerston 50 44 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Spittal 150 112 Primary School 180 Primary School 180 Primary School 180 St Cuthberts RC 80 73 Primary School 90 Primary School 90 Primary School 90 Tweedmouth Prior Park 170 161 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Tweedmouth West 150 142 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School Primary on Middle Primary on Middle Wooler 135 116 with satellite 210 210 210 School Site School Site provision at Milfield

Combined Berwick St Mary's and Holy Trinity to form C of New School 420 E Primary School on Berwick Middle site

1425 1159 1835 1835 1835

Secondary Belford Middle 108 96 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

11-14 Junior High 11-14 Local Berwick Middle 456 396 Close 0 550 federated with 550 provision Senior High Glendale Middle 256 190 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0 Tweedmouth Middle 396 339 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

1216 1021 0 550 550

11-19 Secondary 14-19 Senior High 11-19 Secondary Berwick High 855 793 1200 school including 11- 650 federated with 650 School 14 local provision Junior High

855 793 1200 1200 1200

Totals 3496 2973 3035 3035 3035

PARTNERSHIP: COQUET

BACKGROUND

There are currently 10 schools in the Coquet Partnership comprising 1 High School, 2 Middle Schools and 7 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially coastal/rural with a total school population of 1,841 (2006 projection 1,813). There are 456 (19.9%) surplus places across the partnership and 18.8% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

The Coquet Partnership submitted a partnership response, which supported primary schools (4 – 11) feeding a secondary school (11 – 19). There was one suggestion of a junior high. One school within the Partnership wished to retain the current arrangements.

Further suggestions included federating and/or combining some primary schools.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • Coquet High becomes an 11-19 secondary school • Middle schools close • Red Row and Broomhill combine to form a primary school on Druridge Bay Middle site • Acklington CE school closes • All other first schools become primary schools

Option 2: • Coquet High becomes an 11 – 19 secondary school • Middle schools close • Red Row and Broomhill combine to form a primary school on Druridge Bay Middle site • Acklington CE school closes • Amble and Amble Links combine to form a primary on the Amble Middle site • All other first schools become primary schools

POSSIBLE FEDERATIONS

• Amble Links and Amble First schools

13 Coquet Partnership of Schools

Current Option 1 Option 2 Possible Possible Total pupils Capacity locations/new Capacity locations/new Capacity on roll schools/closures schools/closures

Primary Acklington CE 40 18 Close 0 Close 0 Combine with Amble Links to form Amble First 148 141 Primary School 210 0 Primary on Amble Middle site Combine with Amble First to form Amble Links 198 151 Primary School 210 0 Primary on Amble Middle site Combine with Red Combine with Red Row to form Row to form Broomhill 75 68 0 0 Primary School on Primary School on Druridge Bay site Druridge Bay site

Combine with Combine with Broomhill to form Broomhill to form Red Row 140 91 0 0 Primary School on Primary School on Druridge Bay site Druridge Bay site Grange View 150 118 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Warkworth CE 108 49 Primary School 108 Primary School 108 Combined Combined Broomhill Broomhill and Red New School 210 and Red Row on 210 Row on Druridge Druridge Bay Site Bay Site Combined Amble Links and Amble New School 420 First on Amble Middle site

859 636 948 948

Secondary Amble Middle 397 366 Close 0 Close 0

Druridge Bay 380 236 Close 0 Close 0

777 602 0 0

11-19 Secondary 11-19 Secondary Coquet High 661 603 950 950 school school

661 603 950 950

Totals 2297 1841 1898 1898

AREA: SOUTH EAST NORTHUMBERLAND

PARTNERSHIP: BLYTH

BACKGROUND

There are currently 14 schools in the Blyth Partnership comprising 1 High School, 4 Middle Schools and 9 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially urban/coastal with a total school population of 4,919 (2006 projection 4,819). There are 383 (7.3%) surplus places across the partnership and 22.5% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

The Blyth Partnership submitted a corporate response setting out their views about moving to 11 years as the age of transfer in order to match school organisation to the key stages. Their proposals included six primary schools, junior high schools and a community college together with soft and hard federations.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • Blyth Community college becomes a 14 –19 senior high federated with two junior highs • Tynedale becomes a junior high federated with the other junior high and the senior high • Delaval Middle becomes a junior high on the Ridley High site and is federated with the other junior high and the senior high • Bebside closes • Wensleydale closes and the site is used for a primary school • Plessey Road and Princess Louise combine to form a primary on the Delaval Middle site • All other first schools become primary schools

Option 2: • Blyth Community college becomes an 11 –19 secondary school with its 14-19 provision on the community college site, and its 11-14 provision on the Tynedale and Ridley High school sites • Middle schools close • Wensleydale site is used for a primary school • Plessey Road and Princess Louise combine to form a primary on the Delaval Middle site • All other first schools become primary schools

15 Blyth Partnership of Schools

Current Option 1 Option 2 Possible Possible Total pupils Capacity locations/new Capacity relocations / Capacity on roll schools/closures closures

Primary Horton Grange 325 305 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Malvins Close 274 268 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Morpeth Road 250 232 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 New Delaval 150 129 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Newsham 300 260 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Combined with Combined with Princess Louise to Princess Louise to Plessey Road 120 117 form Primary 0 form Primary 0 School on Delaval School on Delaval Middle site Middle site

Combined with Combined with Plessey Road to Plessey Road to Princess Louise 111 97 form Primary 0 form Primary 0 School on Delaval School on Delaval Middle site Middle site South Beach 320 339 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Croftway 369 328 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Combine Plessey Combine Plessey Road with Road with Princess Princess Louise to New Primary Louise to form 420 420 form Primary Primary School on School on Delaval Delaval Middle site Middle site

One of the above One of the above New Primary Primaries on the 0 Primaries on the 0 Wensleydale site Wensleydale site

2219 2075 2730 2730

Secondary Bebside 384 373 Close 0 Close 0

11-14 Junior High federated with 11-14 Local Tynedale 407 468 540 540 Senior High and provision other Junior High 11-14 Junior High (federated with 11-14 Local Delaval 375 313 Senior High and 720 provision on 720 other Junior High) Ridley High site on Ridley High site Wensleydale Middle 387 479 Close 0 Close 0

1553 1633 1260 1260

11-19 Secondary 14-19 Senior High school with local Blyth Community College 1450 1211 federated with 1000 provision for 11 - 1000 Junior Highs 14 year olds on above sites

1450 1211 2260 2260

Totals 5222 4919 4990 4990

PARTNERSHIP: CRAMLINGTON

BACKGROUND

There are currently 13 schools in the Cramlington Partnership comprising 1 High School, 4 Middle Schools and 8 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially urban with a total school population of 4,746 (2006 projection 4,751). There are 350 (6.9%) surplus places across the partnership and 12.1% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

Fifteen responses were received from schools within the Cramlington Partnership; eleven of which proposed an age of transfer at 11 years of age, with the idea of a Learning Campus for the 11 – 19 years age range also being put forward.

Four responses preferred to retain the current school organisation but gave their support to alternative solutions including federations between the middle schools and the high school, which would add value to children’s education. There was also an interest in a junior high (11 – 14) or lower school (11 – 13) on the high school site.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • Cramlington High becomes an 11-19 secondary school • Middle schools close • Burnside becomes a primary school on Brockwell Middle site • All other first schools become primary schools

Option 2: • Cramlington High becomes a 14-19 senior high federated with a 11 –14 junior high • Stonelaw becomes a junior high federated with the senior high • The other middle schools close • The first schools become primary schools

Option 3: • Cramlington High becomes an 11-19 secondary school with lower school provision on the Stonelaw site • Middle schools close • First schools become primary schools

17 Cramlington Partnership of Schools

Beaconhill 230 170 Primary School 315 Primary School 315 Primary School 315 Primary on Burnside 300 290 Brockwell Middle 420 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 site Cragside CE 187 177 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Eastlea 210 159 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Hareside 300 252 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Kramel 245 162 Primary School 245 Primary School 245 Primary School 245 Northburn 230 209 Primary School 315 Primary School 315 Primary School 315 Shanklea 192 190 Primary School 315 Primary School 315 Primary School 315

1894 1609 2450 2450 2450

Secondary Brockwell 370 439 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

Parkside 480 488 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0 11-14 Junior High Lower School to 11- Stonelaw 400 379 Close 0 federated with Senior 1240 19 Secondary 1240 High school Southlands 344 262 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

1594 1568 0 1240 1240

14-19 Senior High 11-19 Secondary 11 - 19 Secondary Cramlington High 1608 1569 2500 federated with Junior 1260 1260 School school High

1608 1569 2500 2500 2500

Totals 5096 4746 4950 4950 4950

PARTNERSHIP: SEATON VALLEY

BACKGROUND

There are currently 8 schools in the Seaton Valley Partnership comprising 1 High School, 2 Middle Schools and 5 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially rural with a total school population of 2,152 (2006 projection 2,120). There are 90 (4.1%) surplus places across the partnership and 11.9% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

The Seaton Valley Partnership response recommended a hard federation across all the schools in the partnership. A proposal for a Junior High (11 – 14) federated with a Senior High (14 – 19) was also put forward. Of the responses received from individual schools, four wanted the hard federation to be based on 11 years as the age of transfer and one wanted to retain the current school organisation.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • Astley High becomes an 11-19 secondary school • Middle schools close • Seaton Delaval becomes a primary school on Whytrig Middle site • Other first schools become primary schools

Option 2: • Astley High becomes an 11-19 secondary school • Middle schools close • Seaton Delaval becomes a primary school on Whytrig Middle site • Seaton Sluice First becomes a primary school on the Seaton Sluice Middle site • Other first schools become primary schools

Option 3: • Astley High becomes a 14-19 senior high federated with an 11-14 junior high • Seaton Sluice Middle becomes a 11 -14 junior high federated with the senior high • Whytrig Middle closes • Seaton Delaval becomes a primary school on Whytrig Middle site • Other first schools become primary schools

POSSIBLE FEDERATIONS

• Seaton Sluice and New Hartley Primary schools

19 Seaton Valley Partnership of Schools

Primary Holywell 150 151 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 New Hartley 115 103 Primary School 120 Primary School 120 Primary School 120 Primary on Whytrig Primary on Whytrig Primary on Whytrig Seaton Delaval 200 186 315 315 315 Middle site Middle site Middle site Primary School on Seaton Sluice 177 157 Primary School 210 210 Primary School 210 Middle school site Seghill 150 149 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210

792 746 1065 1065 1065

Secondary 11 - 14 Junior High Seaton Sluice Middle 292 295 Close 0 Close 0 federated with Senior 520 High School Whytrig 303 328 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

595623000

14-19 Senior High 11-19 Secondary 11-19 Secondary Astley High 827 783 1150 1150 federated with Junior 630 school school High

827 783 1150 1150 1150

Totals 2214 2152 2215 2215 2215

PARTNERSHIP: ROMAN CATHOLIC

Information to be provided by the RC Diocese

PLEASE SEE FINAL TWO PAGES

AREA: CENTRAL NORTHUMBERLAND

PARTNERSHIP: ASHINGTON & HIRST

BACKGROUND

There are currently 19 schools in the Ashington & Hirst Partnership comprising 2 High School, 5 Middle Schools and 12 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially urban with a total school population of 6,032 (2006 projection 5,865). There are 767 (11.3%) surplus places across the partnership and 23.1% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

Of the 20 responses from the Ashington & Hirst Partnership, fifteen were in favour of changing to 11 years as the age of transfer, including some interest in a junior high school federated with a senior high school (14 – 19 years). Three preferred to retain the current school organisation, supported through federations. The remainder either chose not to express a view or advised that views were split between the two options.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • Ashington and Hirst High schools combine to form a 14-19 senior high on the Ashington Learning Park (ALP) site • The new senior high is federated with three junior highs – one on the ALP site, one on Hirst High site, and one on Newbiggin Middle site • The Middle schools close to form the new junior highs • Coulson Park becomes a primary school sited on the Seaton Hirst Middle site • Windsor and Newbiggin First schools combine to form a primary on the Newbiggin Middle site • Ashington Wansbeck becomes a primary on the Bothal Middle site • All other first schools become primary schools

Option 2: • Ashington and Hirst High schools combine to form a 14-19 senior high on the Ashington Learning Park (ALP) site • The new senior high is federated with three junior highs – one on the ALP site, one on Hirst High site, and one on Newbiggin Middle site • The Middle schools close to form the new junior highs • Coulson Park becomes a primary on the Seaton Hirst Middle site • Windsor First becomes a primary school on the Newbiggin Middle site • Ashington Wansbeck becomes a primary on the Bothal Middle site • All other first schools become primary schools

22 Option 3: • Ashington and Hirst High schools combine to form an 11-19 secondary school on the Ashington Learning Park (ALP) site • As part of the 11-19 secondary school, provision for 11-14 year olds is located on three sites – the ALP site, Hirst High site, and Newbiggin Middle site • The Middle schools close • Coulson Park becomes a primary on the Seaton Hirst Middle site • Windsor and Newbiggin First schools combine to form a primary on the Newbiggin Middle site • Ashington Wansbeck becomes a primary on the Bothal Middle site • All other first schools become primary schools

23 Ashington and Hirst Partnership of Schools

Primary Ashington Alexandra First 210 195 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Ashington Central 387 358 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Ashington Hawthorn 210 172 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary on Bothal Primary on Bothal Primary on Bothal Ashington Wansbeck 360 359 525 525 525 Middle site Middle site Middle site Primary on Seaton Primary on Seaton Primary on Seaton Coulson Park 200 193 420 420 420 Hirst Middle site Hirst Middle site Hirst Middle site Ellington 177 151 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Linton 40 20 Primary School 40 Primary School 40 Primary School 40 Lynemouth 142 141 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Combine with Combine with Windsor to form a Windsor to form a Newbiggin Moorside 270 209 primary on 315 Primary School 315 primary on 315 Newbiggin Middle Newbiggin Middle site site Pegswood 200 141 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Welbeck 259 181 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Combine with Combine with Newbiggin Newbiggin Primary on Moorside to form a Moorside to form a Windsor 150 119 210 Newbiggin Middle 210 210 primary on primary on site Newbiggin Middle Newbiggin Middle site site

2605 2239 3190 3190 3190

Secondary Ashington Alexandra 266 165 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

Ashington Hirst Park 463 464 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0 Bothal 516 562 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0 11-14 Junior High 11-14 Junior High federated with federated with 11-14 Local Newbiggin Middle 544 383 360 360 360 Junior High and Junior High and provision Senior High Senior High Seaton Hirst CE 372 323 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

2161 1897 360 360 360

Ashington High 1073 1028 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

11-14 C of E 11-14 C of E Junior Junior High High federated with 11-14 Local Hirst High 960 868 federated with 540 540 540 Junior High and provision Junior High and Senior High Senior High 11 - 19 Secondary 14-19 Senior High 14-19 Senior High school on the ALP New Secondary School on ALP, federated 1400 on ALP, federated 1400 1400 site including local with Junior Highs with Junior Highs provision for 11-14 11-14 Junior High 11-14 Junior High on ALP site on ALP site 11-14 Local New Secondary School federated with 450 federated with 450 provision on ALP 450 Senior High and Senior High and site other Junior Highs other Junior Highs

2033 1896 2390 2390 2390

Totals 6799 6032 5940 5940 5940

PARTNERSHIP: BEDLINGTON

BACKGROUND

There are currently 13 schools in the Bedlington Partnership comprising 1 High School, 3 Middle Schools and 9 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially urban with a total school population of 3,473 (2006 projection 3,563). There are 324 (8.7%) surplus places across the partnership and 17.2% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

The Bedlington Partnership suggested the retention of the current organisation supported by both soft and hard federations. However, of the ten individual responses from schools in the partnership (including the RC schools) five wanted to move to 11 years as the age of transfer and one school was interested in a junior high school should the age of transfer change to 11 years. An interest in key stage 3 ending at year 8 was also expressed.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • Bedlingtonshire High becomes an 11-19 secondary school, possibly on a new site • Middle schools close • Bedlington West End becomes a primary school on the Meadowdale Middle site • Guide Post Ringway and Mowbray combine to form a primary school on the Guide Post Middle site • All other first schools become primary schools

Option 2: • Bedlingtonshire High becomes an 11-19 secondary school, possibly on a new site • Middle schools close • Bedlington West End becomes a primary school on the Meadowdale Middle site • Guide Post Ringway and Mowbray combine to form a primary school on the Guide Post Middle site • Choppington closes and the site is used a satellite provision for the primary on Guide Post middle site • Bedlington The Station becomes a primary school • Cambois closes and the site is used as satellite provision for Bedlington The Station primary • All other first schools become primary schools

POSSIBLE FEDERATIONS

• Choppington Primary with the new Primary School on the Guide Post Middle site • Cambois and Bedlington The Station

25 Bedlington Partnership of Schools

Current Option 1 Option 2 Possible Possible Total pupils Capacity locations/new Capacity locations/new Capacity on roll schools/closures schools/closures

Primary Bedlington Stead Lane 150 144 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School with satellite Bedlington The Station 200 179 Primary School 210 210 provision at Cambois Primary on the Primary on the Bedlington West End 291 281 Meadowdale 420 Meadowdale 420 Middle site Middle site Bedlington Whitley Memorial CE 246 273 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Close. Becomes a satellite of Cambois 60 54 Primary School 90 90 Bedlington The Station Close. Becomes a satellite of New Choppington 150 77 Primary School 150 150 primary on Guide Post Middle site Combine with Combine with Mowbray to form Mowbray to form Primary School on Guide Post Ringway 150 110 Primary School on 0 Guide Post Middle 0 Guide Post Middle site, with satellite site provision at Choppington Combine with Combine with Guide Post Guide Post Ringway to form Ringway to form Primary School on Mowbray 208 199 0 0 Primary School on Guide Post Middle Guide Post Middle site, with satellite site provision at Choppington Stakeford 143 121 Primary 210 Primary 210 Combined Guide Combined Guide Post Ringway and Post Ringway and Mowbray to form Mowbray to form Primary School on New School 420 420 Primary School on Guide Post Middle Guide Post Middle site with satellite site provision at Choppington 1598 1438 2130 2130

Secondary Guide Post Middle 377 344 Close 0 Close 0

Meadowdale 407 482 Close 0 Close 0 West Sleekburn 268 309 Close 0 Close 0

1052 1135 0 0

11-19 School 11-19 School Bedlingtonshire High 1064 900 (possibly on new 1520 (possibly on new 1520 site) site)

2116 2035 1520 1520

Totals 3714 3473 3650 3650

PARTNERSHIP: MORPETH

BACKGROUND

There are currently 16 schools in the Morpeth Partnership comprising 1 High School, 3 Middle Schools and 12 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially urban with a total school population of 3,902 (2006 projection 3,958). There are 231 (5.6%) surplus places across the partnership and 6.2% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

The Morpeth Partnership submitted a corporate response in favour of a 14 -19 Senior High school (14 – 19 years) federated with Junior Highs (11 – 14 years). The individual school responses supported this approach. In the individual school responses, federations were proposed from existing cluster arrangements.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1 • The King Edward VI becomes an 11-19 secondary school • Middle schools close • All first schools become primary schools

Option 2: • The King Edward VI becomes an 11 –19 secondary with the 14-19 provision on the existing high school site, and provision for the 11-14 year olds on two sites – the Morpeth Chantry and Newminster site and the Dr Thomlinson site • Middle schools close • All first schools become primary schools

Option 3: • The King Edward VI becomes a 14 – 19 senior high school federated with two junior highs • Morpeth Chantry and Morpeth Newminster combine to form an 11-14 junior high federated with the other junior high and the senior high • Dr Thomlinson becomes an 11-14 junior high federated with the Morpeth junior high and the senior high • Rothbury First becomes a primary school • Harbottle and Netherton close and their sites are used as satellite provision of Rothbury Primary • All other first schools become primary schools

POSSIBLE FEDERATIONS

• Stobhillgate with Stannington • Harbottle, Netherton, Rothbury and Thropton • Longhorsley St Helen’s with Tritlington

27 Morpeth Partnership of Schools

Current Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Possible Possible Total pupils Possible locations/new Capacity locations/new Capacity locations/new Capacity Capacity on roll schools/closures schools/closures schools/closures

Primary Abbeyfields 250 258 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Cambo 50 39 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Close. Becomes a satellite of Harbottle CE 15 21 Primary School 30 Primary School 30 30 Rothbury Primary Longhorsley St Helens CE 87 94 Primary School 120 Primary School 120 Primary School 120 Morpeth All Saints CE 224 181 Primary School 315 Primary School 315 Primary School 315 Morpeth First 300 300 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Morpeth Stobhillgate 187 162 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Close. Becomes a satellite of Netherton Northside 25 17 Primary School 30 Primary School 30 30 Rothbury Primary Primary School with satellite Rothbury 103 90 Primary School 105 Primary School 105 provision at Netherton and 105 Harbottle Stannington 75 58 Primary School 105 Primary School 105 Primary School 105 Thropton Village 50 42 Primary School 50 Primary School 50 Primary School 50 Tritlington CE 60 67 Primary School 85 Primary School 85 Primary School 85

1426 1329 1950 1950 1950

Secondary 11-14 Junior High federated with Dr Thomlinson CE 244 175 Close 0 11-14 Local provision 180 180 Senior High and other Junior High

Morpeth Chantry 540 512 Close 0 11-14 Junior High federated with 11-14 Local provision 720 720 Senior High and other Junior High Morpeth Newminster 512 507 Close 0

1296 1194 0 900 900

11-19 Secondary 14 - 19 provision of 11- 14-19 Senior High federated with The King Edward VI 1411 1379 2000 1100 1100 School 19 Secondary school Junior Highs

1411 1379 2000 2000 2000

Totals 4133 3902 3950 3950 3950

AREA: WEST NORTHUMBERLAND

PARTNERSHIP: HAYDON BRIDGE

BACKGROUND

There are currently 19 schools in the Haydon Bridge Partnership comprising 1 High School, 3 Middle Schools and 15 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially rural with a total school population of 2,195 (2006 projection 2,118). There are 383 (14.9%) surplus places across the partnership and 6.6% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

Responses from schools in the Haydon Bridge Partnership were varied, and included nine out of the seventeen responses being in favour of a change to 11 years as the age of transfer, six suggested 3 - 13/14 years age provision through a federation of infant/junior high schools, with rural primary schools feeding into the junior high school. Two schools proposed key stage 3 being reduced to two years (years 7 and 8). One school preferred to retain the current organisation.

Overall, as a partnership, there was a lot of interest in federations with a general view that the age of transfer between sites in proposed federations should be realigned to match the key stages of the national curriculum.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1 • Haydon Bridge High becomes an 11-19 secondary school with provision for 11- 14 year olds on the three middle school sites as well as the secondary school site • Middle schools close • Allendale First becomes a primary on the middle school site • Bellingham First becomes a primary on the middle school site • Byrness combines with Otterburn to form a primary on the Otterburn site • Greenhaugh and Kielder combine to form a primary on the Falstone site • Haltwhistle First becomes a primary on the South Tynedale middle school site • All other first schools become primary schools

Option 2: • Haydon Bridge High becomes an 11-19 secondary school with provision for 11- 14 year olds on the Bellingham Middle site as well as the secondary school site • Middle schools close • Allendale First becomes a primary on the middle school site • Whitfield closes and the site is used as satellite provision of Allendale Primary • Bellingham First becomes a primary on the middle school site • West Woodburn and Wark close and their sites are used as satellite provision of Bellingham Primary • Greenhaugh and Kielder combine to form satellite provision on the Falstone site as part of Bellingham Primary • Byrness combines with Otterburn to form a primary on the Otterburn site • Haltwhistle First becomes a primary on South Tynedale middle school site • Greenhead, Herdley Bank and Henshaw schools close and their sites are used as satellite provision of Haltwhistle Primary • All other first schools become primary schools 29

POSSIBLE FEDERATIONS

• Allendale and Shaftoe Trust • West Woodburn and New Primary on Falstone site • Greenhead and Herdley Bank • Henshaw, Newbrough and Whitfield

Haydon Bridge Partnership of Schools

Current Option 1 Option 2 Possible Possible Total pupils Capacity locations/new Capacity locations/new Capacity on roll schools/closures schools/closures Primary

Primary School on Primary on middle school site, Allendale 110 81 Allendale middle 120 with additional 120 school site satellite provision at Whitfield

Primary School on middle school site, Primary on with additional Bellingham 75 54 Bellingham middle 90 90 satellite provision school site at West Woodburn, Wark and Falstone Combine with Combine with Otterburn to form Otterburn to form Byrness 25 6 0 0 Primary on Primary on Otterburn site Otterburn site Combine with Combine with Kielder to form Kielder to form satellite provision Greenhaugh 40 29 0 0 Primary School on on Falstone site, Falstone site as part of Bellingham Primary

Close. Becomes a Greenhead CE 40 25 Primary School 40 satellite of 40 Haltwhistle Primary Primary School on middle school site, Primary on South with satellite Haltwhistle 200 177 Tynedale Middle 270 provision at 270 school site Greenhead, Herdley Bank and Henshaw Haydon Bridge Shaftoe Trust 150 126 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Close. Becomes a Henshaw CE 82 66 Primary School 90 satellite of 90 Haltwhistle Primary

Close. Becomes a Herdley Bank 40 32 Primary School 50 satellite of 50 Haltwhistle Primary

Combine with Combine with Kielder to form Greenhaugh to satellite provision Kielder 40 7 form Primary 0 0 on Falstone site, School on as part of Falstone site Bellingham Primary Newbrough CE 80 61 Primary School 90 Primary School 90 Combine with Combine with Otterburn 75 44 Byrness to form 90 Byrness to form 90 Primary School Primary School

Close. Becomes a Wark CE 75 36 Primary School 75 satellite of 75 Bellingham Primary

Close. Becomes a West Woodburn 40 22 Primary School 40 satellite of 40 Bellingham Primary

30 Close. Becomes a Whitfield CE 40 26 Primary School 40 satellite of 40 Allendale Primary Becomes satellite Primary at New Primary at Falstone 60 of Bellingham 60 Falstone Primary

1112 792 1265 1265

Secondary 11-14 Local Allendale Middle 179 200 100 Close 0 provision 11-14 Local 11-14 Local Bellingham Middle 240 222 170 170 provision provision 11-14 Local South Tynedale 301 252 130 Close 0 provision

720 674 400 170

11-19 Secondary 11-19 Secondary school with school with Haydon Bridge High 746 729 650 880 separate 11 - 14 separate 11 - 14 local provision local provision

1466 1403 1050 1050

Totals 2578 2195 2315 2315

PARTNERSHIP: HEXHAM

BACKGROUND

There are currently 17 schools in the Hexham Partnership comprising 1 High School, 3 Middle Schools and 13 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially rural with an urban mix and a total school population of 3,941 (2006 projection 3,958). There are 223 (5.4%) surplus places across the partnership and 4.2% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

Of the 14 responses from schools in the Hexham partnership, eight were in favour of 11 as the age of transfer, four wanted to retain the current organisation and two responses did not express a preference.

There were some concerns expressed that the High school would be too big as an 11-19 establishment, with the alternative suggestion that Hexham middle site be used for a lower school or junior high, federated with, or as an annex of, the High school.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • Queen Elizabeth High becomes an 11-19 secondary school • Middle schools close • Lowgate closes • Hexham East becomes a primary on the Hexham middle site • All other first schools become primary

Option 2: • Queen Elizabeth High becomes an 11-19 secondary school with provision for 11- 14 year olds on Hexham Middle site • Middle schools close • Lowgate closes • Acomb and Beaufront combine to form a primary school on the Acomb site • Corbridge First becomes a primary school on the middle school site • All other first schools become primary schools

Option 3: • Queen Elizabeth High becomes a 14 – 19 senior high federated with a junior high • Hexham Middle becomes a junior high federated with the senior high • Corbridge and St Josephs Middle schools close • Corbridge First becomes a primary on the middle school site • Acomb and Beaufront combine to form a primary school on the Acomb site • All other first schools become primary schools

POSSIBLE FEDERATIONS

• Chollerton with Humshaugh • Whitley Chapel with Slaley

32 Hexham Partnership of Schools

Combine with Combine with Beaufront to form Beaufront to form Acomb 75 42 Primary School 75 140 140 Primary School on Primary School on Acomb site Acomb Site Combine with Combine with Acomb to form Acomb to form Beaufront 75 59 Primary School 90 Primary School on Primary School on Acomb site Acomb Site Broomhaugh CE 60 51 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Chollerton CE 50 40 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Primary on Primary on Corbridge St Helens CE 150 161 Primary School 210 Corbridge Middle 210 Corbridge Middle 210 school site school site Primary on Hexham East 150 130 Hexham Middle 315 Primary School 315 Primary School 315 site Lowgate 37 19 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0 Humshaugh CE 75 59 Primary School 90 Primary School 90 Primary School 90 Slaley 50 44 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 St Marys RC 150 161 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 The Sele 401 393 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Primary School 420 Whitley Chapel CE 50 33 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Whittonstall 55 59 Primary School 90 Primary School 90 Primary School 90

1378 1251 1740 1715 1715

Secondary Corbridge Middle 289 347 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

11-14 Junior High 11-14 Local Hexham Middle 776 588 Close 0 950 federated with 950 provision Senior High St Josephs RC 302 340 Close 0 Close 0 Close 0

1367 1275 0 950 950

14-19 Senior High 11-19 Secondary 11-19 Secondary Queen Elizabeth High 1419 1415 2000 1050 federated with 1050 School School Junior High

1419 1415 2000 2000 2000

Totals 4164 3941 3740 3715 3715

PARTNERSHIP: PONTELAND

BACKGROUND

There are currently 9 schools in the Ponteland Partnership comprising 1 High School, 2 Middle Schools and 6 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially urban with a rural mix and a total school population of 3,301. There are 66 (2.2%) surplus places across the partnership and 2.0% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

The Ponteland Partnership gave its general support to the change needed for making the necessary improvements to the quality of the education provided in Northumberland. Of the six individual school responses, two specifically wanted to change to 11 years as the age of transfer, with perhaps a federation between a junior high and a 14 -19 High school as a way of keeping the High school a reasonable size and four wanted to retain the current organisation, possibly through a federation between the Middle schools and the High school.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • Ponteland High becomes an 11-19 secondary school • Middle schools close • Ponteland First becomes a primary school on the Richard Coates site • All other first schools become primary schools

Option 2: • Ponteland High becomes a 14 – 19 senior high federated with a junior high • Ponteland Middle becomes an 11 –14 junior high federated with the senior high • Ponteland First becomes a primary on the Richard Coates site • All other first schools become primary schools

POSSIBLE FEDERATIONS

• Whalton with primary on Richard Coates site

34 Ponteland Partnership of Schools

Current Option 1 Option 2 Possible Possible Total pupils Capacity locations/new Capacity locations/new Capacity on roll schools/closures schools/closures

Primary Belsay First 75 72 Primary School 105 Primary School 105 Darras Hall 459 435 Primary School 525 Primary School 525 Heddon St Andrews CE 150 123 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary on Richard Primary on Richard Ponteland First 262 276 210 210 Coates site Coates site Stamfordham 80 65 Primary School 90 Primary School 90 Whalton CE 49 38 Primary School 60 Primary School 60 Primary on Richard Primary on Richard New VA Primary 420 420 Coates site Coates site

1075 1009 1620 1620

Secondary 11-14 Junior High Ponteland Middle 469 611 Close 0 federated with 800 Senior High Richard Coates CE 433 461 Close 0 Close 0

902 1072 0 800

14-19 School 11 -19 Secondary Ponteland Community High 1037 1220 1800 federated with 1000 school Junior High

1037 1220 1800 1800

Totals 3014 3301 3420 3420

PARTNERSHIP: PRUDHOE

BACKGROUND

There are currently 12 schools in the Prudhoe Partnership comprising 1 High School, 3 Middle Schools and 8 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is essentially rural with a total school population of 2,929 (2006 projection 2,932). There are 216 (7.3%) surplus places across the partnership and 7.9% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

The Prudhoe Partnership provided a response supporting a change to the age of transfer to 11 years. The eleven responses from individual schools supported this recommendation, although one governing body did not reach a consensus.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • Prudhoe High becomes an 11 –19 secondary school • Middle schools close • Prudhoe West becomes a primary on the Highfield Middle site • All other First schools become primary schools

Option 2: • Prudhoe High becomes an 11 –19 secondary school • Middle schools close • Prudhoe West becomes a primary on the Highfield Middle site • Ovingham becomes a primary on the middle school site • Mickley and Broomley combine to form a primary school on a new site • All other First schools become primary schools

36 Prudhoe Partnership of Schools

Current Option 1 Option 2 Possible Possible Total pupils Capacity locations/new Capacity locations/new Capacity on roll schools/closures schools/closures Primary

Combine with Mickley to form Broomley 150 143 Primary School 210 0 Primary School on new site Combine with Broomley to form Mickley 75 52 Primary School 75 0 Primary School on new site Primary on Middle Ovingham CE 150 150 Primary School 210 210 School Site Prudhoe Adderlane 148 94 Primary School 145 Primary School 145 Prudhoe Castle 150 113 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Primary on Primary on Highfield Prudhoe West 287 276 Highfield Middle 420 420 Middle site site St Matthews RC 90 78 Primary School 105 Primary School 105 Wylam 150 118 Primary School 210 Primary School 210 Combined Broomley New Primary School and Mickley Primary 280 School 1200 1024 1585 1580

Secondary Highfield 292 388 Close 0 Close 0

Ovingham 302 367 Close 0 Close 0 Prudhoe Eastwood 97 127 Close 0 Close 0

691 882 0 0

11 -19 Secondary 11 -19 Secondary Prudhoe Community High 1063 1023 1500 1500 School School

1063 1023 1500 1500

Totals 2954 2929 3085 3080

37 Appendix A

BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE

TIMELINE

JANUARY 2004 22 January 2004 • Prepare Options Document and submit to Executive for approval

FEBRUARY 2004 9 February 2004 • Executive Committee • Timeline for Phase I

23-26 February 2004 • Commence consultations with Partnerships on Options Document • Attend meetings with Governing Bodies on Options Document

MARCH 2004 March 2004 • Continue consultations with Partnerships on Options Document • Attend meetings with Governing Bodies on Options Document • Attend School Organisation Committee/SEN • Prepare new School Organisation Plan • Review admissions/catchment areas

APRIL 2004 April 2004 • Analyse responses to consultation on Options Document • Receive decision from the DfES on bid for Building Schools for the Future 28 April 2003 • Prepare County Plan and submit to Executive for approval

MAY 2004 17 May 2004 (proposed date) • Executive Committee to approve County Plan • Prepare consultation documents on County Plan and distribute • Arrange and hold Public Meetings

JULY 2004 ONWARDS July – September 2004 • Full County Council to finalise decision on County Plan (committee dates to be determined) • Issue Public Notices

Appendix B Schools by Area/Partnership

WEST NORTHUMBERLAND

Haydon Bridge Partnership Hexham Partnership Allendale First School Acomb First School Bellingham First School Beaufront First School Byrness First School Broomhaugh C of E First School Greenhaugh First School Chollerton C of E Controlled First School Greenhead C of E First School Corbridge St Helen’s C of E Aided First School Haltwhistle First School Hexham East First School Haydon Bridge Shaftoe Trust First School Lowgate First School Henshaw C of E First School Humshaugh C of E First School Herdley Bank First School Slaley First School Kielder Community First School St Mary’s RC VA First School Newbrough C of E First School The Sele First School Otterburn First School Whitley Chapel C of E First School Wark C of E First School Whittonstall First School West Woodburn First School Corbridge Middle School Whitfield C of E VA First School Hexham Middle School Allendale Community Middle School St Joseph’s RC Middle School Bellingham Middle School Queen Elizabeth High School South Tynedale Middle School Haydon Bridge High School

Ponteland Partnership Prudhoe Partnership Belsay First School Broomley First School Darras Hall First School Mickley First School Heddon St Andrew’s C of E First School Ovingham C of E First School Ponteland First School Prudhoe Adderlane First School Stamfordham First School Prudhoe Castle First School Whalton C of E Aided First School Prudhoe West First School Ponteland Middle School St Matthew’s RC VA First School Richard Coated C of E Middle School Wylam First School Ponteland Community High School Highfield Middle School Ovingham Middle School Prudhoe Eastwood Middle School Prudhoe Community High School

SOUTH EAST NORTHUMBERLAND

Seaton Valley Partnership Blyth Partnership Holywell Village First School Blyth Horton Grange First School New Hartley First School Blyth Malvins Close First School Seaton Delaval First School Blyth Morpeth Road First School Seaton Sluice First School Blyth New Delaval First School Seghill First School Blyth Newsham First School Seaton Sluice Middle School Blyth Plessey Road First School Whytrig Community Middle School Blyth Princess Louise First School Astley Community High School Blyth South Beach First School Crofton First School Blyth Bebside Middle School Blyth Tynedale Middle School Delaval Community Middle School Wensleydale Middle School Blyth Community College

Cramlington Partnership Roman Catholic Partnership Cramlington Beacon Hill First School St Aidan's RC Voluntary Aided First School Cramlington Burnside First School St Andrew's RC Voluntary Aided First School Cramlington Cragside First School St Bede’s RC Voluntary Aided First School Cramlington Eastlea First School St Cuthbert's RC Voluntary Aided First School Cramlington Hareside First School St John’s RC Voluntary Aided First School Cramlington Kramel First School St Paul's RC Voluntary Aided First School Cramlington Northburn First School St Robert's RC Voluntary Aided First School Cramlington Shanklea First School Thomas Percy RC Aided First School Brockwell Middle School St Benedict's RC Aided Middle School Cramlington Parkside Middle School St Peter's RC Aided Middle School Cramlington Stonelaw Middle School St Wilfred’s RC Aided Middle School Southlands Middle School St Benet Biscop RC VA High School Cramlington Community High School

CENTRAL NORTHUMBERLAND

Ashington & Hirst Partnership Bedlington Partnership Ashington Alexandra First School Bedlington Stead Lane First School Ashington Central First School Bedlington The Station First School Ashington Hawthorn First School Bedlington West End First School Ashington Wansbeck First School Bedlington Whitley Memorial C of E First School Coulson Park First School Cambois First School Ellington First School Choppington First School Linton First School Guide Post Ringway First School Lynemouth First School Mowbray First School Newbiggin Moorside First School Stakeford First School Pegswood First School Guide Post Middle School Welbeck First School Meadowdale Middle School Windsor First School West Sleekburn Middle School Ashington Alexandra Middle School Bedlingtonshire High School Ashington Hirst Park Middle School Newbiggin Middle School Seaton Hirst C of E Controlled Middle School Ashington Community High School Hirst High School

Morpeth Partnership Abbeyfields First School Cambo First School Harbottle C of E VA First School Longhorsley St Helen’s C of E First School Morpeth All Saints C of E First School Morpeth First School Morpeth Stobhillgate First School Netherton Northside First School Rothbury First School Stannington First School Thropton Village First School Tritlington C of E First School Dr Thomlinson C of E Middle School Morpeth Chantry Middle School Morpeth Newminster Middle School The King Edward VI High School

NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND

Alnwick Partnership Berwick Partnership Alnwick South First School Belford First School Branton First School Berwick St Mary’s C of E First School Chatton C of E Aided First School Cornhill First School Eglingham C of E First School Holy Island C of E First School Ellingham C of E Aided First School Holy Trinity C of E First School Embleton Vincent St Edward’s C of E First School Horncliffe First School Felton C of E First School Hugh Joicey C of E First School Hipsburn First School Lowick First School Longhoughton C of E First School Milfield First School Seahouses First School Norham First School Shilbottle First School Scremerston First School St Michael’s C of E First School Spittal First School Swarland First School St Cuthbert’s RC VA First School Whittingham C of E First School Tweedmouth Prior Park First School Alnwick Lindisfarne Middle School Tweedmouth West First School Alnwick The Dukes Middle School Wooler First School Seahouses Middle School Belford Middle School The Duchess’s Community High School Berwick Middle School Glendale Middle School Tweedmouth Middle School Berwick High School

Coquet Partnership Acklington C of E Controlled First School Amble First School Amble Links First School Broomhill First School Red Row First School Grange View First School Warkworth C of E First School Amble Middle School Druridge Bay Middle School Coquet High School

42 PARTNERSHIP: SOUTH EAST NORTHUMBERLAND ROMAN CATHOLIC

BACKGROUND

There are currently 12 schools in the South East Roman Catholic Partnership of Schools comprising 1 High School, 4 Middle Schools and 7 First Schools. The schools in the Partnership are shown in Appendix B. The partnership area is largely urban spreading across Northumberland to include the rural community with a total school population of 2,662 (2006 projections 2612). There are 109 (4%) surplus places across the partnership and 7.9% of pupils on roll receive free school meals.

OPTIONS

There are a number of options to be considered, which would meet the educational needs of the area and which are detailed below.

Option 1: • St Benet Biscop High becomes an 11-19 secondary school • Middle schools close • St Aidans, Ashington becomes a primary on St Benedicts middle site • St Bedes, Bedlington becomes a primary on the St Benet Biscop campus • All other first schools become primary schools

Option 2: • St Benet Biscop High becomes an 11-19 secondary school • Middle schools close • St Andrews, Blyth becomes a primary on St Wilfreds middle site • St Johns, Alnwick becomes a primary on Thomas Percy middle site • St Pauls, Cramlington becomes a primary on St Peters middle site • All other first schools become primary schools

43 South East Northumberland Roman Catholic Partnership of Schools

Current Option 1 Option 2 Total Possible Possible Capacity pupils on locations/new Capacity locations/new Capacity roll schools/closures schools/closures Primary Primary on St St Aidan's RC - Ashington 179 159 Benedicts Middle 210 Primary School 210 school site Primary on St St Andrew's RC - Blyth 199 198 Primary School 280 Wilfrids Middle 280 school site Primary on St St Bede's RC - Bedlington 145 149 Benet Biscop 210 Primary School 210 campus St Cuthbert's RC - Amble 120 107 Primary School 150 Primary School 150 Primary on St John's RC - Alnwick 90 77 Primary School 105 Thomas Percy 105 Middle school site Primary on St St Paul's RC - Cramlington 150 170 Primary School 210 Peters Middle 210 school site St Robert's RC - Morpeth 150 132 Primary School 210 Primary School 210

1033 992 1375 1375

Secondary St Benedict's RC - Ashington 220 218 Close 0 Close 0 St Peter's RC - Cramlington 209 167 Close 0 Close 0 St Wilfred's RC - Blyth 308 305 Close 0 Close 0 Thomas Percy RC - Alnwick 118 97 Close 0 Close 0

855 787 0 0

11 -19 Secondary 11 -19 Secondary St Benet Biscop High School 855 883 1350 1350 school school

855 883 1350 1350

Totals 2743 2662 2725 2725