q1 | are you q6 | do you agree that the responding...
TRANSCRIPT
Q1 | Are you
responding
mainly as (tick
one only)
Q6 | Do you agree that the
amalgamation of The Duke’s
Middle School and Alnwick
Lindisfarne Middle School on the
Lindisfarne site (requiring the
closure of Alnwick Lindisfarne
Middle School) on 1 September
2015 would be in the best
educational interests of all the
pupils who attend or who will
attend those schools?
Staff Member Yes
Parent / Carer No
Parent / Carer Yes
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Q7 | Your reasons for ticking the above Q8 | In your opinion are there any changes to
Model A that would improve it?
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Falling school roles and high charges on buildings on
Duke's site means it makes sense to rationalise on to
one site as soon as possible, allowing limited funding
within the education budget to be redistributed
accordingly.
No, although actually it should be a separate
consultation from the primary/secondary issue, as
it is not the same thing. The primary/secondary
consultation should be the main issue, with a 'if
the status quo is maintained, then would you be
interested in merging the 2 Alnwick middle
schools.' Option A should only by explored if
Option C is taken.
Lindisfarne has issues Move to two tier
Amalgamating the two middle schools would would
solve the budget problem for a short time, but would
still leave the children in a split ks2 system.
It is very quick, sounds rushed, could happen over
longer period of time with more information given
Make sure it is not rushed, a gradual transition for
all pupils
The disruptive nature of the change is significant and is
actually pointed out in the consultation document
therefore the proposal of Model A is not a feasible
proposal. Also it perpetuates the 3 tier system which
again the consultation documentation on page 6 clearly
identifies this therefore if the governing body
recognises this they cannot believe that this is really an
option. Significant to this would also be the move of
some pupils from Dukes to Lindisfarne Sept 2015 and
then Sept 2016 they would move to the High school this
would cause incalculable damage to a group of pupils as
stated in your report a study by Suffolk County Council
in 2006 concluded that poor performance at KS2 may
be linked to the number of transfers within the three-
tier education system and that these transfers occur at
mid-points in Key Stages. This proposal would create
another change and one year after another year. In
addition Lindisfarne cannot be large enough to
accommodate all pupils a nd moving to a two tier
solution with a high school large enough to
accommodate 2 tier is the only serious option on the
table.
I don't believe that this is an option due to the
haste of change however the only possible chance
would be a phased process and run the two
schools for 2 to 3 years with a thorough impact
analysis and additional tutor support to care for
the needs of the children. Aso possible extensive
construction works at Lindisfarne.
with Lindisfarne being in special measures and running
well below capacity, it seems that this might be an
acceptable option
no
Simply because I believe model B is less disruptive to all
students and model A is more financially based.
Better focused outcomes for schools and would want
my children to have an extra 2 years at shilbottle
outstanding school
The management structure in place is not robust
enough to deal with the amalgamation of two schools
on one site. The rivalries that will exist in the school
could be damaging to the educational provision and
simply merging a "Good" school with a "Special
Measures" school will not solve the problems
highlighted by OFSTED. This option is only viable from a
financial point of view rather than what is good for the
children.
Although this will go ahead, rushing this through by
2015 is ludicrous and will only be to the detriment of
the children! NCC is beyond a joke and they should be
the ones who are in special measure, pushing this on
two school that were already planning on doing this.
Yes Leave the school alone to sort it out. There is
not enough classroom space, or playground space
or hall space to accommodate so many children by
2015!
I do not want to lose our fab middle that is on our door
step and a massive part of the community. There is no
way I want my 11 year old to travel at 8 in the morning
with older children hearing things they shouldn't . How
are they meant to do after school clubs and get back
home when people work
No the only improvement would be for Seahouses
middle school to stay open .
Why is anyone considering changing the current
educational set up when it works perfectly well as it is.
Children respond well to middle school education. Both
my children have gone through Seahouses Middle
School and I wouldn't of changed it for the world. The
thoughts of putting children on a bus at 11 and having
to endure an Hour bus journey fills our community with
dread. It would be a travesty if you closed the middle
schools and took away that 3rd tier!!
If the two alnwick middle schools are happy for this to
happy between them, but not to include Seahouses
middle school. Involving Seahouses middle school is not
in the best interest of the children.
If the educational standards of the joint middle school
can be raised to higher standards then all will benefit in
the long run. Not a grwat upheaval for the children or
parents involved as the catchment area is the same
surely.
I think that if there are enough pupils to attend each
school then they should keep both of these schools
open. Nothing should be done for financial purposes
only, and the best interests of the children should be
considered first. There are many reasons to keep both
of these schools open, some of them will be the same
as the ones I will mention in model B. One important
reason to keep these schools open is because it would
do exactly what the department of education states,
pupils who are disrupted by moving schools suffer a dip
in achievement. I believe that because Lindisfarne is in
special measures they should concentrate of this school
alone to raise the standard ( although i personally
believe that the whole ofsted report system has too
many flaws, and doesn't give a true impression of a
school.)
Abandon Model A Concentrate on improving
Lindisfarne Middle school.
If 1 of these schools is failing in certain areas and
numbers are dropping it makes sense to merge the 2
Alnwick middle schools. At least by doing this it does
not affect where the children are travelling to.
I don't think 11 year old children are ready to travel that
distance into a school that does not get as good results
as Seahouses Middle School and put 2 hours on a childs
school day, it is long enough already!
amalgamate Alnwick schools but leave rural
schools alone!
Why change things that are working well
Surely this proposal will result in larger class sizes. No
It makes sense to only have one middle school in
Alnwick, especially if intake numbers are dropping.
School would be too big for children of that age. Keeping it as is
Seahouses middle school is a very good achieving
school. They have just received the best exam results
for middle schools in the north east . The work in which
the staff put in to the children's education is second to
none and it would be a great sadness to see it closed
down.
I believe that it would make classes too big. Its a big
upheaval for not a large saving.
No
Would effect education and make school too big Not to have it
Parents, staff and children are very happy at the above
schools, I believe the change would cause unnecessary
disruption and upset for no gain whatsoever. The
resources and funding should be ploughed into
improving what is there instead of creating problems
and trying to alter an already successful system.
Facilities do not exist to cater for all children on one
site.
No.
I hate the three tier system, changing children's school
that many times is unnecessary and unhelpful in their
education and personal growth. The ones who are in
the system at the time of change will find it difficult but
it will become normal and is a much better system in
my opinion.
no
No
Leave well alone Dukes middle is good school the Lindisfarne has
failed to improve
The site would be too large and the Duke's pupils would
lose the benefits of the smaller, intimate setting.
Yes. Keep one executive Head but remain on two
sites to give parents the option of a smaller or
larger school. This decision should not be made on
costs of the Duke's premises but on the best
interests of the pupils.
i am concerned class sizes are going to be to big.
Better strategic direction
I have recieved a newsletter regarding the closure of
Dukes Middle School and have been given the reasons
behind the situation is mainly down to the running
repairs to the School Building at Dukes. It was noted in
the news letter that the yearly rent is £90,000, but
some of this is subsdised by the council, however I also
know that each service child of a serving armed forces
family are given money to the School. other
consideration which still have not been addressed are
class sizes and teachers. It is noted about how many
children will be in each year at the new amalgamation
but it never says how the merger will progress. Will my
child from Dukes be moved into technically a new
school but into a bigger class. Also what about uniform?
parents have spent hundreds of pounds buying hoodies,
t-shirts and uniform with the Dukes emblem on it. Will
we be subsidised for the new uniform? Will I be given a
grant by the council to buy new uniform with the new
logo on it?
We need more information. Another question is
WHY does the merger need to be speed up as it
states in the Dukes newsletter sent out to all
parents of Dukes pupils. I feel that it is just a
money saving idea and that both Schools run
perfectly well as they are.
This will affect my daughter right in the middle of her
middle school education, I don't feel comfortable about
her traveling so far at her age.She absolutely loves
being at seahouses middle school and I feel all this
disruption would have a negative effect on her
education.
No!
This makes perfect sense for me as The Duke's School
lease has come to an end and they are now spending a
significant amount of money of rent and upkeep of an
old building. In addition, both schools are located
minutes away from each other and the numbers of
pupils are falling.
None
The parents that have chosen The Dukes School have
done so for a reason. The merger takes away choice. I
chose a small school where my child gets included in
many activities he would not get included in if he was in
a bigger school. The children currently in year 4 to 7 will
have their education severely disrupted by the changes,
which are being rushed through. The children at the
Dukes Middle school will be changing schools an extra
time, which has been shown to affect atainment.
Delay implementation until a proper consultation
about Model B has taken place as it is very likely
that this will be implemented in the future and the
children will get disrupted again.
I said no cos all my family went to that school so did I
and its the best school ever they treat each and
everyone as one and the children learn a lot at the
school and come away with a lot of goals plus its been
in our community for generation's
U shouldn't improve anything to the school as
there's no need as its fine the way
Why have you not included mention of Seahouses
Middle School's status in this Option? Whilst I have no
real concerns over which school pupils who live in and
close to Alnwick go to, at
Seahouses/Bamburgh/Beadnell we are up to 18 miles +
away, and this equates to a journey of nearly an hour
on each end of the school day. We have a perfectly
good Middle School here in our village, which gives our
children an excellent all round education, and allows
them to achieve at higher than average levels at the
end of Key Stage Two - in fact it is one of the best in the
county at this age (and without any extra funding
either). The school employs local staff both on the
teaching and support fronts, and also provides a
community resource for many groups from toddlers to
the elderly. Pupils are encouraged to shine at non-
academic as well as sporting and academic challenges,
and provides a superb environment for them to test
their talents and find their feet at a ra nge of activities
from the performing arts, through being sports leaders
to the supporting First School pupils, to assisting in
fundraising for local groups and charities and
entertaining villagers and visitors alike.
Seahouses Middle School MUST remain open as
an academic institution and as a resource for the
wider community. We are different to the schools
that feed into/Alnwick Middle Schools due to the
distance from Alnwick and the range of additional
activities offered both to pupils and the
community which wouldn't be available to us if
they were relocated to Alnwick.
Yes Dukes and lindisfarne should be merged it would
help children with learning and development
No
I believe that it is being rushed through. I think Alnwick
should move over to the 2 tear system but at the
moment the new high school would not be big enough
to accommodate all of the pupils and the primary
schools would not be big enough.
What was the point of enrichment days and school
visits for the Year 4 children and a lengthy process to
decide what was the best way forward for my child
when they're all going to be pushed into same school
anyway. This will mean larger classes, major disruption
for young children, some of whom are already anxious
about moving schools, and a school which already has
problems becoming much larger and ultimately will
take longer to fix. All of which is detrimental to the
education of the incoming children of all years.
Not really
i understand the problems with lindisfarne middle
school and its ofsted. Both middle schools are lacking in
numbers so if they are amalgamated on one site with a
new staff and new start for the children/staff surely this
would be the best for all concerned. the children still
get the security of the middle school but with a new
begining/ new start.
Seahouses middle school is a perfectly well run school,,
amazing teachers and staff with excellent sat results,,
my 2 sons sent to the middle school and excelled so I
want my daughter to have the same happy schooling
This is going to cause a lot of confusion for children as
well as parents, but also, why move the children to a
school in 'special' measures for 1 or 2 years to then
move them again, when other things could be arranged
to keep them in adequate, if not exceptional schools
with high rates in their standards of education.
Pointless.
Lindisfarne is a very poor school and amalgamation
would help it improve.
these are the schools with the issues - the other schools
are good as they are so these are the only schools that
should be changed
I think given the cost of running the Dukes school and
its falling numberts it makes sense. However we also
need to bear in mind the number of new houses being
built in Alnwick and whether just 2 middle schools
would be enough.
I don't understand why the proposal is to close
Lindisfarne and then ope the the Dukes school on
the Lindisfarne site - why cant it remain as
Lindisfarne or does the council consider its current
special meaaures is the reason for rebranding the
school!!! It would save money surenly to stick with
Lindisfarne as the name - no new rebranding costs -
signs, stationery not to mention uniforms!
Won't give the best outcomes for our children If this is the preferred option surely the timescale
for implementation will need to be reconsidered
It seems a short term solution to a special measures
school rather than helping improve the school
standards
Providing good parental choice is a stated aim of the
DfE. The closure of a high performing school (the Dukes
School ) and its amalgamation with Lindisfarne ( a failing
school ) removes good parental choice and is therefore
not in the best educational interest of pupils. This also
option also represents a significant transition risk for
the current pupils at both school. The schools priorities
ie moving to outstanding / moving out of special
measures are best served by allowing them to remain
as seperate schools. The amalgation could damage the
educational progress of children at both schools.
Nowithstanding that I disagree with this option it would
be very risky to attempt to do it by 1st September 2015
- this is a significant undertaking and should not be
taken without thorough planning and preparation.
Creating a joint governance and leadership model
over both schools - Removing it from the current
Aln School federation model Ensuring there is a
longer term ( and flexible ) agreement with
Northumberland Estates over the Dukes School
site.
I think the joining of the school will be fit the pupils.
They are not moving towns they still will be in the same
town to where they are currently schooled. They will
benefit from being part of a bigger school which
hopefully will enable them to have better opportunities.
Make sure if model A goes ahead then every effort
should be made to bring the best of both schools
together and nothing lost in translation. Also
regular checks by of stead to ensure our children
are getting a better education. After all that is the
whole purpose of the ex cerise.
Disruption to the children's education The site/school is
not big enough Potentially more disruption if then
change to two tier
No
It's all happening too quickly, which is not in the best
interests of our children. It will take away choice, I had
my child at Lindisfarne, he hated it, it did not suit his
needs, since he moved to Dukes in the summer term he
is enjoying education and comes home enthusiastic
about school, the change in him has been amazing. If I
did not have the choice of Middle schools then I would
have to send him out of Alnwick, causing him more
stress as well as extra travel costs. Some children thrive
in a larger school like Lindisfarne but others prefer a
smaller school where they feel able to join in and feel
like they are important and their opinion matters. My
son experienced this. Adding the 2 schools together
and calling it the Dukes seems like a cheeky way of
getting rid of the Special Measures label and relying on
The Dukes Schools "good" result. Surely the building at
Lindisfarne is not big enough and would rely on mobile
classrooms, which are not ideal. What about the
facilities, like toilets and the lunch time arrangements, I
know when my son was there he had a long wait at
lunch time in the queue for a hot meal.
Concentrate on developing Lindisfarne to get it
out of Special Measures. Adding more children
from the Dukes would not fix things but add more
problems. Don't pull the Dukes School into this,
they are a good school and have a winning system.
Leave things as they are.
Because it is these schools that are having the problems
not the other schools
The children educated at the separate schools presently
will have their complete school lives disrupted, which
could lead to levels decreasing. Year 5 students will
perhaps be the worse effected as they have only begun
this year to settle into the middle school system, and
another big change would not be fair. All the students,
finally, would not return to school, after the summer
break, at the same time as the other schools, which
would limit the time spent on the children's eductation,
and some also could be starting year 6 - the year of
SATs.
I disagree with it completely, so I could not
improve it, other than to discard it.
Children who chose Dukes for current Year 4 pupil does
not get entry to school of choice. Current Lindisfarne
school/site is not working (special measures) and needs
considerable work to fix it and create a 'steady state' -
additional change, new teachers and increased pupil
numbers will only further complicate the running of the
school. Additionally, despite the teachers best efforts I
cannot believe that their focus would be in the right
place - i.e with the children. Too much change too
young for children - they need a steady, settled
environment to move into aged 9 into middle school
and the proposal will not provide that environment for
the children. Too much uncertainty to allow proper
preparation for the children to move school.
I am not against the merging of the schools per se
as I understand the financial requirements that
must be met but I do object to the current Year 4's
being stuck in the middle of the change. I think it
would be better to merge the schools in 2015,
move to 2 Tier in 2015 and allow the current Year
4 pupils to stay at their current school for Year 5
and 6. This provides the least disruption to the
children and allows the middle schools time to bed
down to their merged status and improve their
performance.
My daughter travels on a bus from amble everyday to
Dukes this is a choice both me and my daughter made
instead of Amble. She is a quiet girl who lacks
confidence and because this is a small family orientated
school she has really become settled . Any disruption
will really unsettle her and we've already had tears on
the thought of moving. I know lindisfarne site is not big
enought to house our school at all and certainly housing
them in portacabins is not the way forward!going from
a school of 150-600 is crazy why put a good school with
a failing school !
No
It puts the middle schools into a strong position of
offering a fantastic education for all of the pupils in the
community with outstanding fascilities and teachers.
Middle schools provide an excellent opportunity for
pupils to become independent and enriched learners.
I agree that the amalgamation of these 2 middle
schools is in the best educational interests of the
children, but do not agree with the deadline of Sept
2015. I think this is too soon and too close to the
decision date of June 2015.
Amalgamate the Dukes and Lindisfarne Middle in
Sept 2016 which allows time for the best
resources to be set up and put in place - teaching
staff to be appointed, classrooms to be prepared
etc. However, I think that current Year 4 pupils
who will be entering Year 5 Dukes in Sept 2015
should all go to Lindisfarne in 2015 as it is not fair
for these pupils to have to change schools twice in
2 years. Therefore the Dukes school will only be
run with year 6-8 pupils for the year Sept 2015-
July 2016. Getting it right first time is essential,
there is no point in rushing the changes through if
everything is not set up or ready for the changes.
This is definately NOT in the best educational
interests of the children.
As a lifelong resident of the Amble/Alnwick area I was
educated through a 3 tier system and I have always
been an advocate of it. However, my daughter is in
Year 3 at (OFSTED Outstanding) Hipsburn First school
and it concerns me that she has the option of moving to
either Lindisfarne or Dukes, both of which that although
have shown improvement have not been 'good' for a
sustained period. I would therefore prefer that she
spends a further 2 years at Hipsburn, even though this
will slightly lose it's appeal as a small, rural school
It may sort out both schools' problems without
impacting on any other school.
I disagree as the middle school situated in seahouses
delivers the best learning I have witnessed in the area.
Teachers are hard working and friendly.. The Christmas
panto is second to none.. The sports side is impossible
to fault. Being a pupil there myself the worst possible
decision would be to close it.
It will mean larger numbers of pupils, and less time for
teachers to have one to one with pupils.
DELAY UNTIL 2016
Seahouses middle school is the centre of our
community and the children thrive there and that the
children would be travelling for 2 hours.a day on top of
there school day.
No
If it improves Lindisfarne I agree with this.
Being able to cherry-pick the best teachers from two
schools.
Use expertise from Ponteland and Ricahrd Coates
Middle Schools to improve Lindisfarne to such a
high degree that the parents of Duke's children
will not feel short-changed. If we Lindisfarne were
Outstanding the opposition from the Duke's
school parents would disappear. See Q 14.
You would save money on not having the Dukes school,
and would fill up the other school wich in turn makes
better use of the resorses
No
This May be an option but I feel it needs to be the
Governors, staff, parents and individuals closely
connected to these schools to make the final decisions.
I chose dukes for my children not lindisfarne . I do not
want them attending a huge clinical middles school.
Why as a good school would we want to merge with a
school in special measures. The merger reduces parent
choice
Keep the schools separate - same head though to
get lindisfarne out of special measures
The proposed merger with Lindisfarne would mean the
outstanding qualities at the Dukes Middle School would
be lost to the detriment of the pupil’s education. The
merger would cause significant, given that they would
need to move again in a couple of years into the high
school. One move would be the ideal scenario (in Year
9), which would give them time to settle into their
surroundings before having to sit GCSEs two year later.
It would be a given that class sizes will be larger, but at
that age it is perhaps expected and they will be able to
deal with it better. We understand the need for a
school building to be fit for purpose and for resources
to be spent on education and not maintenance, but do
not think a move to the Lindisfarne site is the solution.
The maintenance of those buildings, as well as the
improvements that will need to be made, will be costly
and the finance needed for this could be used better
elsewhere. We were particularly ann oyed to learn
that the Duke and Northumberland Estates are been
obstructive in negotiating previous lease terms with the
school. We would have hoped that a school that bears
the Dukes name would have been a priority and that
providing a strong education for the children of
Northumberland would be of paramount importance.
Let Lindisfarne have a chance to prove itself. Fast track
Lindisfarne's improvements by involving leadership and
teachers from the Ponteland high achieving
schools.Then parents from Duke's and St Paul's will
flock to it anyway.
As this option would mean no change or disruption to
my son's education at Seahouses Middle School. Living
rurally, he has enjoyed his time at school from
Embleton first school where class sizes and year groups
were small and more personal. A smooth transition
over to Seahouses Middle school has enabled him to
grow in maturity and confidence and he now has a
group of friends from Seahouses that he sees regularly
both in and out of school time. My Son is a happy,
confident young man who really does not want the
changes proposed in Model B.
ae Alnwick Lindisfarne school has a lot more space to
intake more children than the dukes does
the cost of running dukes middle school the cost of
keeping an old school
no as long as the dukes middle school live on
Leave as is until at least after Lindisfarne's Ofsted visit.
The school is improving
It seems a logical solution with no excess travelling or
disruption for pupils
My daughter went through the 3 tier system, my son is
currently going through the 3 tier system and they both
were and are happy as well as achieving and making
progress. I think by bringing the two schools together
this will lead to bigger class sizes which in turn could
lead to less progress being made.
I've taught in both two and three tier system and there
are benefits of both but model B gets my vote
Too small for all those pupils
Two schools on an already cramped site won't work.
Too many pupils on one site
Enable all expertise to be focussed on one site
This is too quick. September 2016 would provide time
to prepare children and consider new uniform
Make it happen in September 2016.
Because it will be moving pupils from a "Good" school
with a family atmosphere into an extremely large
school of which part of it is under special measures.
No
We as parents from a small town need choice on which
middle school to send our children to.
I think the amalgamation of these two schools on the
1st Sept 2015 is too soon. All the parties involved need
more time to ensure everything possible is done to
provide a smooth transition for the children involved.
Yes the date should be moved to 1st Sept 2016, in
agreement with the Governing Body. Then I
would agree with this model entirely.
The duke school is voted as a good school lindisfarne is
I. Special measures , the latter would hinder the duke
school , I picked the duke school because of its
traditional setting and family feel to it my daughter has
thrived there both her reading and written work has
gone up yo levels, she has a strong bond with her
teachers and is excelling in sport.
Model c till we have looked at the options
thoughly , rushing into closeing one school to
amalgamate with a failing bigger school is not
good , other options have to be considered , the
welfare of the children all ready enrolled at the
Dukes is important moving them at this stage and
then they will face another move to go to high
school will unsettle them and hinder there
education.
There is already going to be 5 classes of 24+ children in
yr 5 at lindisfarne so you are now going to have much
larger classes of yr 5 and I strongly believe that with all
the other shuffling of teachers and children going on
you can not provide the care and education to each
individual child and meet every child's individual
needs..Also my getting rid of the special measures
stigma by joining the 2 schools does not magically get
rid of the poor levels of teaching and the other
problems going on.In my opinion it just covers it up
until the next ousted! ...
Don't do it.
I believe the time frame on the reorganisation is too
quick. It would potentially detract from the progress
Lindisfarne is cutrrently making. It could disrupt the
ongoing improvements at Dukes. It is unfair in children
transistioning from year 4 to 5 to have no ideas what
schol they are going to until the outcome of the
consultation and then to make that move only 3
months later.
Defer for 1 year
The schools are too different in ethos and philosophy
We prefer a two tier system that is tried and tested.
The less interruption changing schools a child has in
their education the better. This is proven.
By amalgamating the two schools you are removing the
option of parental choice for middle school education in
Alnwick. It will be incredibly stressful for staff and
especially children and may cause significant problems
with integration between the two sets of pupils. This is
simply a knee jerk reaction to the problem of
Lindisfarne being in special measures and
amalgamation of the two schools will not cause the
problem to go away, especially if it is rushed through
for September 2015.
Although I understand the reasons behind Model
A, I do not believe that implementation of this
would be in any way beneficial to the education of
children in Alnwick. We love our small middle
schools as the staff personally know each child and
make them feel valued as individuals. I appreciate
that running costs are massive, but you simply
would not get attention to detail like this in a
much larger middle school. What would happen to
"every child matters"??
To hopefully raise the quality of teaching at the school
and ultimately give the children the continued
outstanding education they receive from their first
schools.. It also makes sense to give the Duke back his
property instead of renting from him. However
modernisation of the current facilities is required at
Lindisfarne site. Lindisfarne site has scope to take more
pupils however the building needs repairs to bring it up
to standards of south east corner schools.
Building maintenance to a decent standard,
ensure the standard of teaching is increased to
more of a standard to that of most first schools in
Alnwick.
Time scale isn't long enough to be able to settle pupils
in. A transition period would be needed to allow Duke's
pupils time to adapt to a new surrounding and
Lindisfarne pupils to become familiar with other
members of staff.
If the timescale is made longer and the move
wasn't until 2016.
There is too little time for the organisation of the
changes required: accommodation, equipment, staffing.
There is too little time to prepare young children (still of
primary school age) to be prepared for a change from a
small local school to a very large school with a very big
first year intake. Some of these children will only just
have turned nine years old.
Suggest that emphasis is put upon expanding the
primary schools immediately. Current year 4
pupils should not move to the middle schools, but
should stay in their primary schools for the next
two years. This would require some extra resource
now, but it is not additional resource. It is money
which would have to be spent anyway over the
next two years to prepare primary schools for the
change. There is bound to be some disruption for
the children, but this would take place in a familiar
environment, and with a majority of familiar staff
to steer them through it. This would also enable
the middle and high schools to reorganise in a
considered and sensible manner; involve much
less disruption for the current middle and high
school pupils; and avoid wasting money and other
resources on short-term fixes.
It makes sense to have joined up administration of
these schools catering for the same age groups in the
same town with the same governing body and the same
educational targets all on the same site.
Takes away choice and the Dukes is really good because
it is a small, family orientated school.
No
We chose the Dukes school because it is a smaller
school and the children get more individual attention. I
want my child to remain at the school until going to the
High School.
No
Because if I put yes I can't sayno to the last option
which is no change ( I think)
You could have an option of putting no change for
others with the amalgamation of the two schools
in alnwick
If both schools are operating below capacity, and one is
struggling and in special measures, it makes sense to
pool finances,resources, staff and pupils and aim to 2 tier must happen with a single secondary 11-18 school
I think the proposed school would be too large in
comparison with other middle schools
Perhaps splitting the merged school over two
sites by year group?
I believe the education of the children of
Northumberland would be best served by a two tier
system. Allowing for younger children to spend more
time in local primary schools and children who are over
eleven and high school age to access specialist subject
teachers and facilities. They would be additional
benefits for sports opportunities and extracurricular
activities through grouping together of larger numbers
of children. The financial savings of running a two tier
system can only lead to benefits in the provision of
teachers and equipment in the new schools. I do not
support the amalgamation of dukes and Lindisfarne
school as it is only continuing with the existing poor
system and offers no benefits to children. I appreciate
that there may be a small financial benefit to the
Alnwick budget but surely this would be even greater if
a two tier system was installed. It would be much better
to build the new high school large enough to provide 11-
18 education in an expandi ng town and growing area.
No I do not want to see model A introduced.
by closing lindisfarne you are eliminating choice and
removing a smaller school the resultant school whilst
eliminating one of the county's failing schools (through
no fault of their own) will be huge and is not what is
needed as a bridge from very small schools like
Warkworth
none
Q9 | Do you agree that all schools in
the Alnwick Partnership should
reorganise to a primary/secondary (2-
tier) system from 1 September 2016
(this would involve the closure of the
middle schools and the extension of
the age ranges of the first and high
schools).
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Q10 | Your reasons for ticking the above
sdfgsdfg
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The primary model allows for more transparency with regards to KS2
results and greater coherency of teaching across KS2. It also means
that my 9 year old children do not have to go on the bus into Alnwick
every day (2 have already had to do so, and I have a further 2 that will
have to do so should Model B not be implemented). With falling rolls
in many rural schools it gives them an opportunity to stay big enough
to remain viable and the centre of a community.
Far greater control of schooling, the transition to middle has always
caused a problem with our children
The split in the KS2 children makes them unsettled and doesn't leave
them much time to make the correct education choice in light of
gcses with their teachers. Moving to a 2 teir system, would allow the
children and teachers longer to work together to make these choices
thus creating a more secure feeling for the childrens future.
Gives children longer atfirst school it is young at 9 to have the
responsibility travelling by bus and some children dont cope
Due to the study by the Department for Education (then DfES)
showing that changing schools is disruptive for children and can lead
to a dip in achievement. This is supported by the study by Suffolk
County Council in 2006 concluding that poor performance at KS2 may
be linked to the number of transfers within the three-tier education
system and that these transfers occur at mid-points in Key Stages. For
decades the schools in Alnwick have been mismanaged with a split
site high school and therefore this option with 2 tier can be the only
real solution and those responsible must put politics to one side and
make the correct decision.
Closing urban Middle Schools is a completely different situation to
closing rural ones. To a parent in and close to Alnwick it makes no
difference whether a child goes two years longer to the first school
and then onto a secondary school. But living in rural Northumberland
our local Middle school is the best stepping stone for our children to
prepare them for High School and also the heart of our village.
Without it and with our children having to make the long journey into
Alnwick by age 11, a lot of people might consider moving closer to
Alnwick and this village might become another coastal ghost town
only busy when the tourist season starts. Our Middle School is big
enough to be a step up from the First School but small enough for all
the pupils to know each other and the teachers to know them and
their families. Having the Middle School on our door step means
parents are able to take an active interest in their children's school life
and supporting their children w hen they are of an age where they
still need a lot of support especially as studies have shown that
children perform better the more parental support they get!
I believe this is less disruptive to all students and staff, is more
conducive to learning and is much more beneficial than model A in
the long AND short term.
This is the best solution for the children currently in first schools. All
the first schools in the Alnwick partnership are graded at least "Good"
by OFSTED and there is no reason to believe that this provision will
not continue in a 2 tier model. The ability of schools to chart the
progress of their pupils through to the end of KS2 means that there
will be a more focussed education provided by the new Primary
schools rather than seeing children's grades fall in the current Middle
school model. It also allows for the provision of KS3/4 education in
one establishment.
The first school are not equipped to deal with pupils in year 5 or 6
either with staff or facilities. I DO NOT want my child educated in sub
par accommodation or with sub par facilities or even with sub par
teachers. First school teachers do not have the expertise to education
these children. First school do not even have the ability to feed that
many children in the halls they currently have never mind education
them appropriately. Do the council have any idea how much this
choaos will impact on the learning of children, in the worst possible
way!
Our first school in Seahouses no way has enough room for more
classes doesn't have a big enough sports field or after school clubs
Dreadful decision
This will firstly involve my son followed by my daughter. The
transition through the 3 tier system works well for the kids of
Seahouses. My son should go to middle school in September but is
already petrified about the thought of going to alnwick on a bus. The
bus is no place for children as young as 11 without supervision, it is
too much responsibility for a driver & very unsafe. At Seahouses
middle school the children get the chance to shine whereas at alnwick
they will get lost in among the system. The Seahouses children would
miss out on after school clubs as they could not get transport home
later. Seahouses middle offers a fantastic range of after school clubs.
Their days would be long enough & that's without homework being
considered. Other schools may be keen for a 2 tier system but
Seahouses is most likely the forest away. We as a village feel very
strongly that the school is the hub of the community. My son has his
football training at the middl e school &. Closure would ruin the
team. This is just going to rip the community apart & no one will
consider moving here. As with my daughter she is a terrible traveler
who with age is improving & hopefully by the time she would be going
to duchess night as a 3tier system she would have out grown this, as
things stand 5days of the week she would be take travel sickness
tablets twice daily. My son is ready for middle school he would go
downhill if he had to stay at Seahouses 1st for any longer as he & his
friends have outgrown it. You cannot guarantee the safety of the
children on a bus for 2 hrs a day, you are taking their childhood away
from them. They are still vunerable children who need to be kept
safe.
Whilst i agree that changes should be made to improve the education
of our children, closure of the rural middle scools will not aid in this.
Extending journey times of 11-13 year olds , and effectively removing
the opportunity of after school clubs and activities from them due to
the restrictions of public transport, would impact on the social and
educational development. The middle school in Seahouses is an
important part of the comunity hub..providing many a child and adult
with a variety of activities and social interaction , as i am sure all rural
middle schools do in their own areas.
The thought of sending the littler one's on a bus whith the older lot
will be terrifying for them..
In regard to Seahouses Middle school: * Childrens will suffer
emotionally and academically from these big changes if they are
already attending middle school, and then have to move to another
school setting. Children who are already in middle school would have
to be uprooted to a new school until they are 13. ( which contradicts
the department of education statement which says children who are
disrupted by moving schools can suffer a dip in achievement) This
option means children ARE disrupted far more than usual. * Class
sizes will increase meaning less individual help. * Model B suggests
that it is going to be a two tier system, however, this is not the case, it
is still a three tier, as they are educated in a separate annex
(apparently linked to the duchess), so in effect this is actually a middle
school which the rural children would have to travel to. *Children will
be travelling from the age of 10-11 to a school, a total of around two
hours of t ravelling to school a day (there and back), that is 10 hours
per week. Some children have additional needs and may not cope
with the move to another school never mind the additional travelling.
Who is going to look after them waiting for the bus in the mornings,
and will they be travelling on the buses with the older children from
high school? *The children will be in a different environment with
new teachers, new pupils, lots of changes, which are completely
unneccessary, as the school that they are going to is a very well run
school with the best interests of the children in mind. The children
and generally happy to be there, this is the school in which so many
local children flourish and develop their personalities and become the
individuals that they are. * The middle school has links with a lot of
community led organisations. * Children who would have to travel to
school from Seahouses to Alnwick may not be able to participate in I do not think this is in the best interests of our children. The first
school is not big enough to cope with the extra children which would
mean extending the building, causing unnecessary costs and
interruptions. Also I'm not happy about putting my daughters at the
age of 11 on a bus at 8am and not returning til 4.30pm especially on
cold winter dark mornings and nights. When will they have time to be
kids. It's also very intimidating for an 11 year old to get on a bus with
15/16 year olds. They wouldn't be able to take part in extra curricular
activities as they would have to make sure they get on the school bus.
The middle school In Seahouses is an amazing school and I never
thought my kids wouldn't be going there.
There is NO proof that 2 tier education is any better than the current
3 tier and recent results prove this!
My children at 13 struggled journey into Alnwick I think will do more
harm at 11
Children in rural areas will have longer school days from age 11, they
will also lose out on after school clubs, socialising after school, and
miss out on the excellent facilities Seahouses Middle school offer.
As I live in seahouses I strongly feel that it is in the best interest of the
children to remain within the village and not need to travel each day
too and from school at he age if 11 , it will effect the ability to attend
out of school activities, socialising with their school peers, the first
school site in Seahouses is not equipped to educated children up to
the age of 11 there is also not enough space to accommodate
children in adequate classrooms or yard size for playing at break time.
The two schools in seahouses are a big part of the community
especially the middle school., which provides Space for villagers to
take part in various activities and social events, if the middle school
closes im sure in the long run it will be detrimental to the village and
result in a retirement/ holiday village in the furture.
Why change something that is not broken? This year's SATs results
back this point up. Seahouses Middle School were the 3rd best results
in the county! The new system is still 3 tier, as years 7 and 8 will be
based at Lindisfarne. What is the point? What is the point of moving
pupils to recieve the same education they are receiving now. Pupils in
my class cried when I told them the school could close, they don't
want to go to travel to Alnwick any earlier than necessary. At the
present time, pupils at Seahouses Middle School have access to a
wide range of extra curricular activities, if moved to a new school
aged 11, might not have access to the same opportunities. Pupils may
not to able to take part due to not being able to get home / have to
travel an hour on public transport. Less personal ~ just a number in
high school; your face isn't know unless you are badly behaved. While
at middle school, pupils are known individually and lessons tailored t
o meet their individual needs ~ would this be able to happen in a
school of over 1000? I think this model will have a massively
detrimental effect on the pupil's education. The closure of the school
would have a negative impact on the village, families are not going to
come to live in the village if there are not the education facilities,
several parents I have spoken to would consider moving to Alnwick if
this model was picked. Seahouses would become a ghost town in the
winter, as all of the holiday makers with second homes will have left,
is this good for the local economy? Pupils aged 10 and 11 would have
to travel daily to Alnwick and back on the same bus as 18 year olds. If
pupils have to commute between sites (Lindisfarne and new high
school) in Alnwick, they will have to walk along an extremely busy
road and cross over roundabouts. Also, with the construction of the
new McDonalds in Alnwick, how many pupils will make the highly Not in the children's best interest from rural areas
In an area such as Northumberland a two tier system wouldn't work
as well as it would in an area where schools are closer. Taking children
from a young age on a bus 15 miles from where they live does nothing
for the children only the cost factor for the government. This move is
not coming with children's best interests.
I feel a lot of children would not be prepared to move straight to a
high school from a first school. Middles schools prepare the children
perfectly for that big leap!
If something isn't broken why try to fix it.
Seahouses middle school is an amazing school.
From my experience, First schools are not equipped to cater for
children for an extra 2 years. I dont see why it is so important to have
2 tier when 3 tier has always worked fine.
The journey time alone would be an issue, Seahouses first school not
fit for purpose or has enough resources
This has got to be one of the most ridiculous ideas anyone has come
up with. We are blessed to have fantastic middle schools where each
child is an individual and they are educated, nurtured and allowed to
develop vital social and emotional skills. Academic statistics are one
part of a child's education, but their development as individuals is
paramount to their upbringing throughout school life, setting a solid
baseline for moving up into high school. Middle schools are an
excellent educational setting for which I am thankful to have
experienced and look forward to both my boys enjoying the fun, the
personal touches, the opportunities as well as achieving a fantastic
education. I can not understand why anyone would want to ruin
something so important to not only our children, but to our local
community.
The same reasons as before Although coming from Scotland where
they take much more care in their roads at Winter, promises need to
be made and kept in the upkeep of roads in winter, and pavements. If
Scotland can do it why can't we? that is not a viable reason I have
heard for the changes not to go ahead.
Why close a perfectly good school with an exceptional record. When
the post 16 transport charges came into effect, the Council stated that
it was trying to save money on school transport. Surely this would
create an even greater need for school buses at a greater cost.
Children from age 11 would be leaving home at 8am and then not
getting home till 4.30pm. They would lose opportunities such as after
school clubs - having an extremely long day anyway and I'm sure this
would affect their studies. How would the first schools cope with
another two year groups? Classes may be overcrowded and staff over
stretched. What would happen to staff at Middle School? Out of
work?
Longer time at primary schools less moving schools
The social benefits of Middle Schools far outweigh the benefits of two
tier. Having taught in both systems I am a very strong supporter of
middle schools for 9-13 pupils.
i agree that the 2 tier system give better continuation of learning but
needs to be thought through carefully
I believe the primary model works in the best interests of the children.
Yes, this is how my education was complete and I believe moving
from just one School to another is alot easier and also alot less
stressful and worrying for the children partaking in the school move
itself.
As I said for model a.
We live in a rural area - Seahouses Middle school is the hub of our
community with close links to many of the local people and groups
that live and are based here and if this school closes, it is likely that
people will begin to move away, clubs, activities will cease; the village
would become a "ghost town" and full of holiday homes rather like
Beadnell, Bamburgh etc. The school employs many local people who
would find it very difficult to find work in the current climate and in
an area which relies so heavily on tourism - work is very seasonal
here. In addition, the middle school system provides a safe and caring
environment in which children can thrive, mature and develop their
confidence. My own son is severely dyslexic and struggles
academically; however, he has been allowed to shine at Seahouses
Middle school and develop his talents in music, sport and art - I think
in a much bigger school, children with difficulties such his would be ov
erlooked. Many opportunities are available to those children who
attend Seahouses Middle school, eg; after school clubs, music, sport,
community involvement, pantomimes etc which they simply would
not be able to access if they attended School in Alnwick at the age of
11. Many parents would not be able to collect their children from
school because of work commitments and so our children would
miss out on developing key skills, forming friendships, representing
their school and building confidence. Furthermore, leaving home at
8:05am and returning at 4:35pm makes for a very long day - the
behaviour and language on the bus from much older children is not an
experience I would wish on an 11 year old - it is an unpleasant and
intimidating environment for both my children who currently use it
and they are 15 and 17 years of age! Finally, Seahouses Middle school
has had the best SATS results of all the schools in North The new high school that is being built is not big enough to take the
extra 2 years so it will still effectively be a 3 tier system.
No for the same reason as I said in model A
Why have you not included mention of Seahouses Middle School's
status in this Option? Whilst I have no real concerns over which school
pupils who live in and close to Alnwick go to, at
Seahouses/Bamburgh/Beadnell we are up to 18 miles + away, and this
equates to a journey of nearly an hour on each end of the school day.
We have a perfectly good Middle School here in our village, which
gives our children an excellent all round education, and allows them
to achieve at higher than average levels at the end of Key Stage Two -
in fact it is one of the best in the county at this age (and without any
extra funding either). The school employs local staff both on the
teaching and support fronts, and also provides a community resource
for many groups from toddlers to the elderly. Pupils are encouraged
to shine at non-academic as well as sporting and academic challenges,
and provides a superb environment for them to test their talents and
find their feet at a ra nge of activities from the performing arts,
through being sports leaders to the supporting First School pupils, to
assisting in fundraising for local groups and charities and entertaining
villagers and visitors alike.
Middle school's are falling in Northumberland because of the 1st
schools setting grades to high and the children are not progression in
the middle school's. So this would let children develop at a steady rate
and with out to many changes in their life.
In essence this is the better of the three options however I have issue
with the time frame, again for the upcoming year 4s. Why does this
have to happen 2016 which puts the y4 children in the unenviable
position of moving twice in two years. Those who chose to attend the
Dukes in 2015 will have 3 moves in 4 years (incl High School) plus the
current y4s will be the only year group to become part of the High
School for y6. They would be still be on the primary curriculum in a
SATs year - could the High School adequately support this??.
Additionally, what of the cost to parents of all of the uniform changes
during these times.
I am devastated by this idea. I as a single parent of a shy 8yr old, have
been counting the days until he could attend seahouses middle school
under the guidance of Miss Harris. At Seahouses they are treated with
such care, support, guidance and as individuals. My son may in the
future need extra support which i know he will receive from Miss
Harris and her staff. I have not met a child yet who doesnt love
attennding this school and im pretty sure thats rare. As the school is
small the staff know each child as an individual, they are not just there
to pass exams but to grow in to fine young adults, ready and prepared
to move on at 13yrs old to attend the massive step of the high school.
The journey time will go from 2 mins to 2 hours for my son who will
be 10 at the time. How can you guarentee his safety on the school
bus? Bullying? He will have to cope with copious amounts of childern
when he gets there which will just cause extra anxiety and he will the
n worry all day about getting the correct bus, in time to get home.
they will all be mentally and physically exhausted. At 13 they can cope
with this but at 10yrs old???The journey on dark, cold winets nights in
the bad weather will be so dangerous for them at the best of times.
Will they have a member of staff on the bus with them and to put
them on the bus on an evening. In seahouses school my son would
have the opportunity to attend afterschool activities. I do not drive so
this will be impossible if he goes to school in alnwick. He isnt the most
sporty of children even though he enjoys it, if he had the guidance
and encouragment from Miss Harris he would be able to play on
school teams which would help his selfesteem, he will not get this at
alnwick. he will just put his head down and try to fit in. H e will shut in
to himself and worry all day. They are quite young/ country children
who will struggle to fit in. The middle school set them up for life, t I'm not happy with my children going on a school bus from the age of
11 at 8am and coming home by 4.30 with homework will make there
day 10 hours long at least. The clubs at Seahouses middle school were
great opportunity a to learn and because of the traveling the children
won't be able to join in.
Seahouses Middle School is a fantastic school and the heart of our
community. The teachers and staff all know our children as indiviuals
and encourage and develop them based on this. My daughter has
come on so much since starting the school in sept 2013. She now
enjoys her lessons, learning and all the additional activities offered,
which I put down to each and every member of staff in that school.
She needs additional support and is given this daily and I cannot see
that happening in a larger school. They currently have those extra 2
years in a smaller, local environment to develop into young adults,
building their confidence and helping them not only with their
education but also with many important life skills. I am also opposed
to the bus journey they would be expected to make daily. Their day is
exhausting enough without having to leave the house at 8am and
return at 4.30pm, and then have to tackle homework and other out of
school activities. Also how woul d the children attend after school
activities? Would the council provide additional bus services so that
they could get home safely?
One transition instead of two Better standard of education in two tier
system, particularly years 7 And 8 Gives children more time at high
school before choosing their options after one term in year 9
It would avoid the awkward extra transfer of schools and also allow
preparation for gcse's to begin earlier.
It's a really good system suitable for children who are used to small
rural schools, it should stay the same
The journey to Alnwick from Seahouses is a waste of time when the
middle school is already providing an excellent service. Why make
young children travel for over an hour each day to be just a number
when they could continue to be nurtured and educated by teachers
who really know and care about them.
Alnwick does not have the infrastructure to support this. The new
high school wont be big enough the current first schools are
inadequate as they are without adding 2 years worth of students to
each. My daughters are currently year 4 and so would be caught up in
what inevitably would be the chaos of chnaging to 2 tier and I do not
want their education affected further.
Research/evidence strong basis that 3 tier doesn't support the best
outcomes for children This is an opportunity for Alnwick to do the
right thing for our children Change is challenging but we shouldn't
duck the opportunity to do this
Less changes of schools for pupils which sets them back each time
Avoids splitting key stages which causes continuity issues Experience
of Primary/secondary structure in other areas suggests it is better
overall
I whole heartedly support a 3 tier system.
This option proposes the use of the current Lindisfarne site as a
"lower " high school. The introduction of this set up will not provide
the same boost in educational standards that a new shool can provide
and it may have the opposite effect by sending all year 7 to year 8 to a
dated buiding with inadequate facilities. In addition it is not clear to
me from the data provided that all primary age children particularly in
the smaller first schools will be given the same or better education
opportunities / facilities that they are currently provided. You need
to demonstrate that all years 5 and 6 will be given something better.
Simply because it would not be moving to a two tier system it would
mean up routing settled happy children, from one site only to move
to the Linisfarne site and be moved again at 13 into the high school.
Research shows moving around disrupts education yet you are
proposing not only to move at 11 but also to another 3 tier and a
completely different town. Where is the sense in that? I want
resurgence that my child's education is not being compromised in
order to satisfy other schools in the partnership.
Less disruptive to children if handled with common sense In line with
rest of country, more stability and settled into high school well before
important exams/decisions May reduce transport costs May allow
more specialists in Primary schools
The Middle School system works, in the present state as we have
choice, it's a nice stepping stone to High School and I know that the
Middle and High School work closely together to make the transition
from year 8 to 9 as smooth as possible. It seems like it's all happening
too quickly, there will be a lot to organise in a short time and it will
mean some teachers will not have a job, very demoralising for them.
The First schools will need extra classrooms, mobiles again, not ideal.
Surely some of the rural First Schools will have to close as they are so
small and would need extra resources to teach another 2 year groups
which would not be economical for such small schools. As this is a
rural community it's important to keep education in the outlying areas
as it is a vital part of the community. The idea of putting years 7 and 8
into Lindisfarne is not ideal. Yet again the High School would be on a
split site, with teachers having to travel between them . Why isn't
the new High School being built to accommodate years 7 and 8?
Surely this is an ideal opportunity to do things properly.
Why because two schools in Alnwick are having problems should this
have an effect on rural middle schools. Both my sons attend
Seahouses Middle school and they are doing very well. Also it isn't
going to be less disrupting because they are going to be changing
schools 3 times anyway. Why try and fix something that isn't broke.
Plus if I had wanted my sons to go to school in Alnwick I would
have!!!!!!
From my experience, I do not believe children of ages 10-11 could be
ready for high school life. I also don't believe that I would have liked,
at that age, to be kept back in a school with 4 year olds. I believe
middle school is a great opportunity for students to strive on activities
different from first school, and to gain experience and be challenged
enough come high school.
I agree to the above but only on the basis that the change would
happen 1 September 2015 NOT 2016. I do NOT agree to this
happening in 2016 because the current Year 4 pupils are the only year
group to become part of the High school for Year 6 – why would a
High school invest time and money to support primary curriculum in
SAT’s year for 1 year group only? I do not believe that the pupils in
this year group would receive the best education under this proposal
and would be a forgotten year group.
Leave it as it is
*It would still be a 3 tier system by a different name *Pupils in
first/primary schools will not have: the superb fascilities (sports hall
and gym, science labs, 3 computer suits, woodwork, textiles and food
room etc.); specialist teachers, experienced upper KS2 teachers who
very successfully prepare the children for SATs (to name but a few)
*Pupils will go from very small first schools to a massive secondary
school which they will transition to at puberty making the time even
more stressful *The primary schools are too small to adequately
prepare the pupils for life in a v.large high school. Pupils will be taught
in promary schools in composite classes.
I think a 2-tier system is better for children, however not in the
Alnwick Partnership due to the rural locations and pupil numbers. It is
important that the High School is equipped to deal with increased
numbers (years 7-11) and a separate 6th form college is available to
help deal with this. Also, Primary Schools should be guaranteed that
different key stages will be taught separately i.e. those schools with
extremely low pupil numbers will not all (year 1-6) be taught by one
teacher in one classroom due to the ratio (1:20?).
As stated, I do not think the middle schools have demonsrated
sustained improvement for long enough. The building of the new high
school seems like a good time to amend the whole school structure
1. There is no definite research to show that children perform better
in a two-tier system, in fact their performance is far more likely to be
influenced by the right genes, supportive parents and quality teaching
than by what system they are taught in. 2. Children academically
achieve the most if their school and home life is closely linked which is
far more likely to happen if the school is local. That is why rural living
needs to be taken into consideration - being in a local school for as
long as possible can only have positive outcomes! 3. Transitions (far
from being detrimental to their performance) can be a good stepping
stone to prepare them for later life - moving on from a small First
School to a slightly bigger Middle School to a big High School to
possibly a huge university. 4. Why fix something that is not broken? In
other parts of the country people have chosen to remain in a 3-tier-
system, despite all the lobbying for 2-tiers (Gosforth, Newcastl e!).
Research has shown that it takes at least 4-5 years for schools to
implement the changes necessary (if they don't run out of money in
the mean time) and for any improvements (if at all) to be shown - are
we going to sacrifice those 5 year groups in the hope that the 6th will
do better than our children are doing now? We have a very good
Middle School with teachers who are committed to giving them
quality teaching and who work closely with the parents (in their last
homework survey, they had a 100% return from the parents!), a
school which just last year produced one of the best SATs results in
the county - it is ludicrous to suggest closing it!!!
No need to change what doesn't need fixes
It would still be 3 tier, as children would move to lindisfarne before
moving onto duchess. Also the extra long days as children have to
travel further at a younger age.
There's nothing wrong with the way the 3 tier works, this is all about
the council trying to save money and trying to use other reasons to go
into 2 tier, it's been 3 tier for years and the grades from these schools
are as good as any where in the country!
PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL ON THE WHOLE BE TOO SMALL TO SUSTAIN
THE NEEDS OF THE CHILDREN. TOO MANY MIXED AGE CLASSES WITH
CHILDREN NOT EDUCATIONALLY PREPARED FOR SATS AT THE END OF
YEAR SIX. NOT ENOUGH CLASSROOM SPACE FOR MORE CHILDREN-
LACK OF FACILITIES SUCH AS FOR CHANGING IN PE- THIS IS VITAL AS
CHILDREN REACH PUBERTY. SOCIALLY UNPREPARED FOR A LARGE
HIGH SCHOOL AS THEY HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MIX
SOCIALLY WITH OLDER CHILDREN. IF NEW CLASSROOMS ARE BUILT
THIS WILL IMPACT ON THE OUTSIDE SPACE OF THE SCHOOLS- WHERE
WILL THE FUNDING COME FROM? THE CHILDREN WILL STILL HAVE A
MOVE TO ONE SITE AT THE END OF YEAR 6 AND THEN AGAIN AT THE
END OF YEAR 8, THIS IS A 3 TIER SYSTEM UNDER A DIFFERENT NAME.
This is not in the best interest of Seahouses children. We have an
excellent middle school at Seahouses that has good teachers and
happy children. It has a fantastic record of achievement, unlike some
of the Alnwick middle schools. I do not want my children travelling to
Alnwick at 9 years of age, to attend a sub-standard school that has
failed miserably in it's last Ofsted.
My child does not receive any real science teaching at first school
being in Y4 she is looking forward to lessons in a lab next year. She
would be denied this for a further two years if at a primary school.
Teachers are able to teach their specialisms at middle school; maths
teacher, French teacher etc rather than one form teacher teaching
everything. My daughter's current year 4 form teacher is uninspiring
and abrasive. At least if there is one bad teacher at middle school it
only affects one subject. I like that children can exercise in a
gymnasium, join an orchestra, take art in an art room and cookery in a
home economics room. This is just not possible at the first schools;
converting them to primaries would rob the children of these
opportunities.
Closing a top performing school with on running facilities for sen
children and sending them 15 miles away to a school that in under
special measures puts an awful pressure on all concerned it will
devastate a whole community the ripple effect on young family's
leaving or not coming to the community will effect everyone, the
added pressure of larger class sizes in schools that are left and the
social harm to sen children will be nothing short of immoral !
Both my children have attended Seahouses Middle School, my
youngest is currently in year 7. I think this speaks volumes about the
school and it's leadership that when asking my children who their
favourite Teacher was/is both said Miss Harris the school head. My
children have been given the opportunity to develop as individuals
and discover new talents through the encouragement of a fantastic
staff team who KNOW the children and also the parents. My
daughter was diagnosed with diabetes type1 just before moving to
the middle school, the help and support for my daughter was fantastic
and continues to be, I do not believe this would be the same in a
larger school and even at the of 13yrs when she moves to the current
high school it will be a worry. Lots of children lack confidence and in
rural communities sometimes the move from first school to middle
school is an enormous move due to pupil numbers but to ask a less
confident child at 11yrs to make a move into hig h school with 1000 +
pupils along with a bus journey making the day over an hour longer
can't possibly improve their schooling. I asked my child what she
would think if at her age 11yrs she was attending the high school and
would have actually already been there for 4months, she told me that
she would have been really scared at the thought of being at the
school with 18yr olds, she didn't think it would be good to mix with
people who could be smoking too. There will be the argument that it
works elsewhere and of course I am sure it does however, each area
has to be taken on an individual basis and North Northumberland is in
my opinion definitely more suited to the 3 tier system. Even though
my children will both be in high school and possibly won't be directly
affected by this change I feel I have to help the fight to stay three tier.
Possibly if well planned and new duchess is big enough
The two tier system is implemented by the majority of the councils
throughout the country. Maurice Hall spoke on Thursday about the
access to specialist teaching that would not be available to children in
middle schools and his concern that they would be 'behind' other
children their age in the country. Our fear is that our children could
miss out if the three tier system remains in place
I like the system as it is.
As my child is currently in year 6, he would have to move from
Seahouses Middle school, to The Lindisfarne site, then on to the new
Duchess site...this is 4 tiers! Also my reasons are as stated before in
question 7.
As i feel a 3 tier is to much for children they have to grow up quicker
I don't think the 2-tier system works and the high school cant really
cope with the influx of all the chrildren
My daughter will be disproportionately hit by the changes. Y4 at
Felton now, Y5 & 6 St Paul's, Y7 & 8 Lindisfarne, Y9 and up Duchess.
4 moves NOT 2-tier
I prefer the 3 tier system. I was educucated in a 2 tier system and in
my opinion the 3 tier system is far superior
Don't like the idea of my child mixing with 18 year olds.
Read up all the facts and figures and vote B
My view is to vote for model B
Definitely model B . There are too many small schools failing our
children. They need peers to learn social skills. Extending the age
range of first schools could save tiny rural first schools by bringing in
more pupils. Small class sizes in current rural middle schools is more
detrimental to our children socially as well as academically. Published
results show our middle schools are second worst in the country. They
are blamed for poor Sats results due to the constant upheaval of
moving schools.
We are the silent educated voice voting for model B. The bully boy
tactics of those trying to save the middle schools grab the headlines.
Their uneducated views on how to educate our children may win.
Their views are not based on education standards nor the true results
from our children. Their vote is dependent on travel time. I'd drive my
children to timbuctoo if I thought they would get better exam results
and go on to further education. The two tier system has proven that
our children excel in it.
I think 9 is too young to be thrown into a large "grown up" school.
Swansfield park is great and I think could easily provide a brilliant
education for 2 more years. It would make sense to me to put years 7-
11 in the new building and put the sixth form in Lindisfarne? Alnwick's
first and high schools have always had good "reputation" and going 2
tier would seem to make sense. It also ties in with other areas of the
country for those moving in and out.
I feel years 7 and 8 are currently not stretching enough. The ever
demanding curriculum means only one year to opt for GCSEs is too
quick. At the moment most of year 9 is the High School getting to
know their students. An additional two years would help students
and teachers.
if change has to happen because of financial implications, then a two
tier system would fall in line with most of the rest of the education
systems in the country.
I think that the Middle school system suits this rural area well. It
provides specialist teachers for this age range which the children
would otherwise not have in a two tier system, even if some specialist
were peripatetic. There is a great deal of difference between a Y6
child and Y4, differences which could not easily be accommodated in
a small local primary school. They also provide a valuable next step
between a small local school and a large high school. There will
always be differences of opinion between staff in primary &
secondary schools about how well the incoming children have been
taught previously and if they are really achieving certain targets. This
criticism , currently levelled at first schools/middle schools, will not
change. After attending the consultation meeting at Lindisfarne I feel
not enough time was given to highlighting the good points about a 3
tier system , whilst too many criticisms were given about it. If a 2 tier
system is arranged Y7 & Y8 would not be on the main High school
site anyway. They will still be at Lindisfarne site, so essentially it will
still be a 3 tier system.
It's far to quick ,mistakes will be made and the children will suffer .
2016 is not the right time to go two tier as my child will already have
moved to her middles school in 2015 and will then have to move YET
AGAIN in 2016 and I can see no common sense in this at all as the
whole reason for going 2 tier is so that these children have only to
move between primary and secondary schools where as this way your
moving them from 1st school to middle and then to high which is
beyond belief, and in my opinion will cause far too much upset to
children at a very important time in their education..
Within Alnwick it might work but how would schools outside of this
that feed into the Duchess High school cope? Ie if Alnwick goes 2 tier
what would happen to Belford & Wooler Middlee schools would their
kids feed into the process 2 years later and thus have to break into
established peer groups or would they turn into 2 year middle schools
which would then surely not be vaible financially. Also Wooler feeds
into Berwick High as well so how could you have one system one way
and one the other - surely it should be ONE system for the whole of
the county or at least for ALL inter-ralated schools
less disruption to pupils through school changes will occur making
more stability through their school life giving more consistency
More time spent in village schools when young, more time in
secondary education before making GCSE choices, better recruitment
of specialist teachers
Less transition
As previously stated. This not only benefits the students but
streamlines their educational achievement holding to account for the
first time first schools (primary phase).
All the schools that my children attend are wonderful. The first school
creates a warm, caring environment in which to learn and my children
have loved it there. However, there comes a time when children are
ready to progress to something bigger and better. This is where the
middle schools come in, with more specialist teachers and a wider
curriculum, and these have helped to foster a desire to learn and
continue to help lay the foundations for children to become effective
learners. Although in theory it would be nice for my youngest to stay
at first school for 2 extra years, the implications and practicalities of
this are huge. The building itself is almost at capacity - would
portacabins be required to house those extra children? Who will pay
for the additional building works to make the school suitable for older
children? We would need bigger desks, chairs, toilets (including
sanitary provision) and lots more of them!! If two tier happens, the ne
w high school build will not be big enough to house the extra 2 year
groups, so an annexe for years 7 and 8 on the Lindisfarne site defeats
the object of changing to 2 tier.
It brings us in line with the recognised Key Stage systems used country
wide. Makes more sense for the children as continuity in there key
stages, are designed to go with two tiered schooling.
Middle school education provide a range of benefits to pupils. Primary
schools do not have the subject specialists or specialist facilities. The
proposed model B does not reduce transition periods either as pupils
would still need to move to the Lindisfarne site for Year7 and 8 and
then on to the new high school building from Year 9.
Ticked yes but with the following proviso: it should happen from
September 2015 and NOT NOT NOT September 2016. Personally, I
have no objection to a two tier system at all. But, our family went
through massive educational changes at primary/secondary school
level with our children and I have seen at first hand the catastrophic
results on some children of ill-planned and ill-managed change.
The first schools are doing a good job; none of the buildings in our
area is big enough to accommodate the change to primary school. I
would rather the money and education staff time both teachers and
council officers that would be need to effect the changeover to two
tier were spent on helping good schools to become outstanding and
failing schools to become good. Secondly children are all different;
some children just don't get on in larger groups; one of my grandsons
in particular started school in a class of 29 children where he
completely failed to cope, since going to a smaller school (Branton) he
has flourished and moreover has learned and continues to learn, to
cope with large groups of children; something that I fully expect to
continue through his middle school years and will equip him to deal
with a large high school by the time he gets there. a group of first
schools allows for greater flexibility and diversity within the system. It
is much mo re feasible for out of hours things to happen when
children do not have as far to travel as they might if the first schools
were to amalgamate on another site.
KS3 students should all be together and managed by one school.
2 tier makes more sense with the key stages. I would have been
happy for my children to stay at primary longer and then go to the
High School at 11.
As it would see the closure of Seahouses Middle schoo and you need
to keep this middle open. This is a very good school, my two boys
went to Seahouses, for a tme the powers that be at the council
decided that year 6 was over subscribed and that our son was to go to
the Dukes in Alnwick. Which for that 2 weeks we had sleepless nights
as our boys where from a small school of 30 plus children to a year of
100 plus. Which he would never of coped with. In the end another
teacher was found for Seahouses so all was well. The start they both
had at Seahouses was amazing, after school clubs, performing on
stage in pantomimes, academicely both grew more than we imagined.
We do not feel that making Swarlnad First School into a primary is
either the best options for my children academically. We simply do
not believe the funding is available to enable the head teacher at
Swarland First school to be able to continue the OUTSTANDING This is by far the most complicated, costly, and inadequate option.
This would mean far too many children from small successful village
schools would be forced to stay for an additional two years in schools 2 tier on a single secondary site
There is no evidence that this would improve opportunities for pupils.
The proposal seems to have come from an opinionated minority with
no democratic mandate. The strongest reason I have for objecting is
that the money and resources could be much better spent on
improving the quality of teaching, post 16 school transport and other
educational opportunities.
Please review my previous comments. To summarise; Improved
facilities and access to specialist teachers at a younger age. Longer
time period to settle into a new school before making life changing
subject choices for GCSE Improved sporting and extracurricular
activities Longer time spent in local primary schools. Reduced costs
associated with running only two buildings. The financial savings from
which can be invested where they are needed most in providing
teaching staff and facilities, Bring the northumberland system in line
with the rest of the UK.
principally on size alone. The county is enormous and needs small
first schools which naturally feed into medium size middle and larger
high schools. If we were talking an urban environment where first
schools are large this would be a different discussion but we are not.
Northumberland is rural and the education system should continue to
reflect this
Q11 | In your opinion are there any changes to
Model B that would improve it?
Q12 | Do you believe that there
should be no changes made to the
current system of education in the
wider Alnwick Partnership i.e. all
schools should continue to be
organised within the three-tier
(first/middle/high system)?
sfgsdfg Yes
sdfgsdfg Yes
First schools to be allowed to keep their Y5s from
Sep 15 (ie one year earlier than proposed) to
avoid them being disadvantaged during their
SATS year whilst middle school teachers are busy
looking for new jobs/becoming effectively part of
the high school in Y6 - but without appropriate
support structure. Have the Y7-Y11 on the
Greensfield site and turn Lindisfarne into a 6th
form centre of excellence for North
Northumberland.
No
Duchess's is going to new build, will it be big
enough to accommodate?
No
No
No
2 tier must be implemented but there needs to
be correct phasing and the new high school must
be fit for purpose from the outset.
No
No closures of rural Middle Schools!! Yes
Do not delay any further. This has been a long
time coming and in my opinion, has been
detrimental to one of my childrens' health,
wellbeing, education and mental health. My son
has SEN and the three tier system was very
disruptive to him. The middle school model was a
poor fit and, like his sisters, he'd have been so
much better off staying in first school for the
primary school length and would then have been
ready for high/secondary school at 11 years old.
Middle school is a waste of valuable educational
and welfare time.
No
No
The current transitional arrangements do not suit
the children in the current Y4. By staging this
transition, initially having Y5 in "Primary" schools
from Sept 15 there can be an orderly transition
from the old model to the new. This also means
that parents of the current Y4 children will not
have to buy new school uniform in 2 years; the
current proposal for transition sees these
children transferring to The Duke's Middle School
(on LMS site) in Sep 15 then coming under the
umbrella of DCHS as Y6 in Sep 16. This means for
the important SATs year the children will not be
managed by a Primary trained SMT. Also, Y4
parents have already made decisions over which
middle school they wish to send their child to.
This model removes that parental choice and
puts some children in an establishment that they
did not chose for their child.
No
Leave it alone. 2 tier system is not wanted in
Northumberland!!
Yes
Stay 3 tier Yes
Yes
None what so ever Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Abandon Model B Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Amalgamating the Alnwick schools, but leaving
Seahouses Middle school as it is. It is a fantastic
school - I don't know why you would consider
closing it.
Yes
Yes
DON'T CHOOSE IT!!! Yes
No Yes
Keep as is Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No Yes
Keep system the same Yes
GET RID OF MODEL B. Yes
No No
No - Yes
No
None Yes
Yes
Yes
No
What will happen to Longhoughton School. The
School itself is very small and could not undergo
a change to the primary and secondary system.
Would this mean that Longhoughton closes. With
many Service families living in longhoughton this
could have a huge effect on childcare and access
to other Schools. As published in the Armed
Forces Covenant, the government are looking to
help, not hinder service families. I feel the
closure or the ousting of Longhoughton CofE
School would impact massively on the
Longhoughton community,
Yes
No. Yes
This is not a sensible option in a rural area.
Re-model the new High School so it is big enough
to take the extra 2 years (years 7 and 8)
No
Yes
Seahouses Middle School MUST remain open as
an academic institution and as a resource for the
wider community. We are different to the
schools that feed into/Alnwick Middle Schools
due to the distance from Alnwick and the range
of additional activities offered both to pupils and
the community which wouldn't be available to us
if they were relocated to Alnwick.
Yes
I would like the head of the high school to take
more control over the primary schools to make
sure children and schools are working together
No
No
Move this model to 2015 instead of 2016 for the
y4. Change the system to 2 tier. In Sept 2015
First Schools keep the current y4 as y5, in 2016
they will become y6 and the current y3 will then
be y5. By the time it gets to 2017 move to the
High School as y7. This reduces the disruption
and uncertainty for this group of children. In
Shilbottle's case, the children will gain a further
two years at a proven 'outstanding' school and all
y4 children would only have to contend with 1
transfer. Additionally, this assists with the
continuity of KS2 and they would be in primary
environment for y6 SATS, and also assists the
High School with guidance on GCSEs due to
having 2 yrs to get to know the children. Whilst
support for the First Schools would be needed to
accommodate this at short notice, from a
personal perspective I would prefer to have my
child remain in situ, probably in a temporary
classroom (portacabin), than have to deal with
the chaos of multiple moves and disjointed
continuity of education.
Yes
I am not against Alnwick doing the 2 tier system
if it suits them. Their children have grown up
there and are used to it. Its on their doorstep so
use the facilities you have. They go through the
system with their friends and dont have to travel.
Seahouses can still filter in at 13yrs old?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Mopre models like St Pauls where children can
remain in the same school from 3 - 12/13 would
do much better for stability and achievement of
children, rather than making them do a big jump
to a huge school at the age of 11 after being in a
small rural school.
Yes
Leave the middle schools alone Yes
No it is a none starter in my opinion
i think we need to understand more about the
implications for the workforce - where are there
gaps in knowledge skills?
No
Bring forward the retention of year 5 pupils in
their first schools to September 2015.
No
Yes
A committment to accomodate all year 7 to 13 at
the new Duchess Hight school site A
committment to provide all primary year children
with "permanent " schooling facilities ie no
temporary accomodation
Yes
Yes make it two tier. Why didn't the high school
that is currently being built incorporate years
7&8 why move them to another annex. Who
passed the plans for that without any thought
about the two tier system. As this is not the first
time we have been consulted on it. Am I to have
my child's education disjointed because other
people in authority cannot forward think?
Yes
No
It seems like these suggestions are all just to save
money. If it's a 2 tier system that is needed then
surely doing things properly, building a High
School which is big enough for everyone would
be sensible. More importantly this would cause
the least disruption to our children's education.
Model B seems like a sticking plaster to get to
the 2 tier system. Please stop and think about
the long term solution.
Yes
Yes
I disagree with it, so could not improve it. Yes
Change the start date to 1 September 2015. If it
is going to happen let's just get it done and move
on. I have spoken to 95% of Year 4 parents and
all of them have said they support this option but
only if it happens 1 September 2015.
No
No Yes
No. This has been an ongoing proposal for many
years in this area and it is not supported by our
community.
Yes
A 2-tier system would only benefit the children if
it was introduced as a proper 2-tier system. One
of the main benefits of a 2-tier system is that the
children only have to change schools once, but
this would not be the case in the Alnwick
partnership as the Lindisfarne site would still
house years 5-8 so, really, what is the point???
No
No
Yes
Yes
Leave the schools in surrounding ( Seahouses
middle ) area as they are.
Yes
Yes
No
No Yes
Allow Seahouses Middle to stay open! Yes
No
YES SCRAP MODEL B Yes
Not to go ahead with it. Yes
Increase size of build at new high school site No
Yes
Sell lindisfarne land to fund a bigger duchess -
first schools become primary and hold children to
end year 6 . Dukes holds the children in middle
school until they all feed into duchess
Yes
1. Delay any moves until September 2016. 2. For
the County Council to sell off the Lindisfarne site.
The finance from this sale would be put toward
extending the new high school build, allowing for
the two tier system to work effectively and from
one site. 3. As the current lease for the Dukes
Middle School still has a few years to run, move
the Lindisfarne children to the Dukes School site.
4. All first school children due to start middle
school within the next few years would remain at
First School in the Primary system. They would
then move into the new high school, which
would be large enough to accommodate all
secondary pupils, including those from the Dukes
School site. We feel very strongly that this
option must be discussed and considered.
Obviously there are obstacles with it - the
current terms of the contract for the new high
school build and the availability of space in First
Schools - but it needs to be looked at carefully
and comprehensively. The size of the high
school is perhaps one of the most important
points of discussion. We cannot emphasise
enough that NOW is the perfect time to ensure
that it is large enough; it would be a tragic waste
of time and resources if it was not fit for purpose.
No
For children who are leaving first school this year,
it is impossible to make decisions and plan for
them. We, as parents, still do not know what will
happen at such a late stage. Put this idea on ice
until we see who is in government after May
2015. We may have a more pro-north east set of
leaders to give NCC more money.
Yes
Ignore it and follow model A! No
yes don't do it Yes
Leave St Paul's out of it. It was voted against by
every single parent at the meeting. Look to
extend the upper age range of St Paul's to 16. It
was when it was the convent school and despite
fewer facilities than Duchess's school out-
performed it in exams each year. This was
suggested at the meeting and unanimously
supported with a show of hands. The current
thinking in educational circles is to revert to
fewer GCSE subjects anyway. I like this idea. How
can GCSEs really be seen to be challenging when
children can take 15. How do they specialise? In
terms of exam fees, the reduction in cost to NCC
would be beneficial.
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Get discrete petitions set up for model B. I've
only been asked to sign to save our middle
school. To decline they make you feel like dirt.
No
YES! It would be disruptive for the current year
4's to move and move again. Can they not be
sited in temporary accommodation on the first
school site until going to high school?
No
Make New High School bigger to accept years 7
and 8. Or Have years 7,8 and 9 at Lindisfarne site.
Students take options then move to Main
Duchess site to take theor exams.
No
No
Make sure there is enough places in the new
High School for years 7 & 8 from all feeder
schools to be big enough to take them on the
new site. Placing them on an old site in the
grounds of Lindisfarne Middle School or in porta
cabins should not be an option, as this will still in
effect be a three tier system only with a change
of age range!
No
The children who are in year 4 now are going to
be the ones who suffer the most from the
change. It needs to be done gradually and not
rushed and the proposals now for the year 7 and
8's to be on Lindisfarne site and then on to the
new high school isn't 2 tier. They are still having
to move three times to different schools. They
need a bigger high school and if this can't be
achieved then it would be better to leave the
education system as it is now which would mean
less disruption for the children.
Have Y7 & Y8 on the main High school site,
moving the 6th form elsewhere.
No
Yes
You must look at other parts of the country and
see how the children were effected by the
change at the time not 3 years later
Yes
Do it in 2015 and allow our children to stay at a
fantastic school for a further 2 years where they
feel secure, safe and get a fantastic level of
teaching...This way the children will be ready for
yr 7 when the new school on greenfield site is
ready and the children will be ready to move......
No
No
No
To include sscools in the Amble partnership as
they also feed into Duchess
No
extend new high school build so all on one site. No
No
If two tier were to go ahead (which I hope it
doesn't) I would hope that the new high school
plans would be modified in order to
accommodate the extra children from years 7
and 8 so that they are not subjected to another
split site school.
Yes
I am happy for the schools to go to two tier.
However we as a family are concerned about the
facilities at Swanfield park being able to cope
with two more year groups. Any building work
and increased capacity needs to be of permanent
structure of a suitable size and standard and not
temporary class rooms. Most parents I have
spoken to would love their children to continue
there education at Swansfield Park.
No
Yes
Change the start date from September 2016 to
September 2015. I firmly believe this would be in
the best interests of ALL the children who are
caught up in the critical years of this planned
change.
No
Concerned that new high school not big enough.
All students should be on one site if possible.
No
All year groups on one site. No
Yes
Yes lots more money and a true plan from
scratch, based on teaching and learning
requirments not money or space or council
equations, for a quality Secondary 11-18 school
Yes
As a parent of two children in Swarland First
School, I know the building is and never will be
suitably equipped to cope with the additional
No
2 tier on a single secondary site. Invest in the
facilities needed and the experienced subject
specialists we have. Recruit a business manager
who can seek and secure funding to drive the
school upwards into the 21st century.
Amalgamation with poor financial management
will fail in time otherwise.
No
Yes, if it were based on evidence and decided on
by our elected representatives.
Yes
Creation of a bigger high school which can
incorporate all children from 11-18 and allowing
for an expanding population in the future.
No
none - it should not be applies Yes
Q13 | Your reasons for ticking the above
sfgsfg
The current system does not serve the children
well - too many 9 year olds on buses, change in
school mid-way through a key stage. Also with
budgetry pressure it is too expensive to
maintain.
It needs serious review
With numbers of children dwindling in most
schools, and budgets being cut to reflet this,
shortages of teachers and local closures, it
makes total sense to pool your resourses. And
from an education point of view, the KS2 and 3
children in particular, won't have their key steps
of education split between 3 different schools.
This makes for better settled, and more
confident children.
I think there needs to be a change and schools
sorted, it needs tobe done properly, not rushed
Due to the study by the Department for
Education (then DfES) showing that changing
schools is disruptive for children and can lead to
a dip in achievement. This is supported by the
study by Suffolk County Council in 2006
concluding that poor performance at KS2 may be
linked to the number of transfers within the
three-tier education system and that these
transfers occur at mid-points in Key Stages. For
decades the schools in Alnwick have been
mismanaged with a split site high school and
therefore this option with 2 tier can be the only
real solution and those responsible must put
politics to one side and make the correct
decision. Also due to budgetary issues the two
tier system will rationalise schools therefore
both Lindisfarne and Dukes school sites should
be closed to free up revenue and in the case of
Lindisfarne sold to housing developer.
see answer to question 10. + spending money on
enlarging the first schools to accommodate
another two year groups for them to go onto the
High School but not the High School building
seems preposterous - building-wise they will still
be in a 3-tier-system and it strikes me as odd
having cut the funding for post-16 transport that
there should be money available for transporting
a large number of 11-13-year-olds?!
As mentioned before, in the last section.
Currently the middle schools in Alnwick are not
consistently providing quality education for the
children of this area. Changes have to be made
but they have to be managed effectively in order
for the transition to be as seamless as possible.
The middle school are already equipped to deal
with years 5 & 6 and since nobody seems to care
what will happen to the years 7 & 8 at least the
middle school can accommodate them.
So my children can go to a fab middle school in
there door step
It works why fix it..... The transition stages are
right for our children's ages. Our middle school is
the hub of our community which brings young
and old together. Our school is ran by a
dedicated head who has always wanted the best
for her pupils. It would be the worst decision
ever made to close the middle schools!!!
Nothing wrong with the system as it is so should
stay the same.
The three tier system works well in practice,
changes can always can always be made to
improve education but two tiers in an area that
is so vast, yet sparsely populated as
northumberland will just impact on the
alertness, general well being, performace and
achievement of the rurally based children after
they have had the school day extended by 1.5
hours or so due to extended travel times, that
could be partly spent doing homework and just
"being 11 year olds" instead of being stuck on a
bus doing a tour of the countryside.
See previous page.
I don't think the changes are necessary. It also
seems like it wouldn't be like a secondary school
with the annexe to the high school being on the
lindisfarne sight. It would still mean the children
attending 3 different schools, so it might aswell
stay as it is.
Results are proof enough!
It's worked well for plenty of years why change it
and it will kill the small villages if no local schools
We are in a very rural area, the transport
situation concerns me greatly; the length of time
on the bus, but also 11 year olds on with 18 year
olds. We have very good support from our
school because it is local and we know the
teachers. As parents of children with autism this
is extremely important to us. The extra curricular
activities that take place after school are of great
benefit to the children - they would be unable to
participate if in school at Alnwick as there isn't
suitable transport after school hours.
This model works now why change it , if the
middle schools in alnwick want to amalgamate
well go a head but leave our schools alone,
seahouses has two good schools which children
attend and develop by the end of middle school
students enough to make the long journey on
the bus each day, and if they want to stay if after
school activities are old enough to be able to get
the service bus home afterwards. The middle
school had fantasti says results recently why
close a school that is performing well and ship
our children off to a school which is failing!!
Why not bys children from Alnwick here and see
what patents/ teachers would think of that .
See every point I have raised for model B.
In the children's best interest
As mentioned before, Northumberland is an
area in which the three tier system works
amazingly. It does not need to be changed.
Many people have been 3 ducted through the 3
tier system and have achieved very good jobs
and exam results. Something which is not
broken should need to be fixed to something
that is not nessacery.
If its not broken, dont fix it!
It's worked for large numbers years with
excellent academic results
Absolutely, 110%. IF IT'S NOT BROKE, DON'T FIX
IT! We are SO lucky to have such excellent
middle schools - I know of families who have
moved from other areas in a 2 tier system, just
so their kids could benefit from the 3 tier system
we have up here.
Change is needed!
See previous page
I would love the system to remain as it is but
appreciate that the merging of the schools under
one head and management team would improve
the current situation. I do not feel that moving
on to one site would benefit anyone apart from
financially.
Why fix something that clearly isn't broken. The
only reasons, personally that I can see about the
merger, is due to high costs of maintaining
Dukes Middle School. We all understand its an
old building, but the entire school itself is run
and performing to a good standard, so says the
OFSTED inpection carried out this year. I don't
see what mergering two Schools into Lindisfarne
School would achieve. Leave it as it is.
The children are all happy and settled the way
things are now. Seahouses middle school has
been getting good results so why change things!
If the councils are trying to save money surly all
this change ie:more transport, remodeling
schools to accommodate the change, would still
cost alot of money. Seems crazy!!
I have left the above blank because I am happy
for the system to remain as it is or for The
Dukes and Lindisfarne to merge - I see benefits
to both.
I believe the 2 tier system would be best BUT it
should not be rushed through until a big enough
site is provided to take all of the secondary
children.
Yes the system should stay the same
Whilst I have no real concerns over which school
pupils who live in and close to Alnwick go to, at
Seahouses/Bamburgh/Beadnell we are up to 18
miles + away, and this equates to a journey of
nearly an hour on each end of the school day.
We have a perfectly good Middle School here in
our village, which gives our children an excellent
all round education, and allows them to achieve
at higher than average levels at the end of Key
Stage Two - in fact it is one of the best in the
county at this age (and without any extra
funding either). The school employs local staff
both on the teaching and support fronts, and
also provides a community resource for many
groups from toddlers to the elderly. Pupils are
encouraged to shine at non-academic as well as
sporting and academic challenges, and provides
a superb environment for them to test their
talents and find their feet at a range of activities
from the performing arts, through being sports
leaders to the suppor ting First School pupils, to
assisting in fundraising for local groups and
charities and entertaining villagers and visitors
alike. Seahouses Middle School MUST remain
open as an academic institution and as a
resource for the wider community. We are
different to the schools that feed into/Alnwick
Middle Schools due to the distance from Alnwick
I was more than happy with my decision in
October to send my child to the Dukes Middle
next September however, this Option is now a
non-starter as moves have already been made to
combine the Middle schools by appointing a
joint Head teacher to start in January 2015.
see previous page.The using of the Lindisfarne
sight is still making it a 3 tier system so nothing
really has changed except up routing our
children from the safety and security of out
fantastic school, seahouses middle school.
The middle school is a big part of our community
helping the children take part in summer fair
days and doing things like activity week, panto
are fantastic opportunities.
Why change a perfectly amazing system
As previously stated
I, myself have recently came out of education
and can honestly say I would have been happier
with less moving around and changing schools as
it would have been less confusing and may have
prevented confidence issues etc.
Poor experience of Middle school system
It would cause issues in transferring into the
duchess's high school where some would enter
at year 7 and the rest at year 9.
the model supports the needs of small rural
communities well.
High school was an ordeal for me due to travel,
lack of support and lack of community. It's not
broken, no need to fix it. The middle school is at
the heart of the community in Seahouses,
providing jobs as well as education. People will
not chose to move to the area if there is no local
secondary education.
Doing nothing is no longer an option
First/middle school system does not work well,
both academically and socially. Pupils in Y5/6
are denied a proper, primary curriculum, with
too much emphasis placed on maths and English
and a secondary model. First schools lack the
more mature influence of older pupils. Too
many changes of school are not desirable.
We moved from north tyneside to join a 3 tier
system.
Rather than a school restructuring more time
should be spent supporting the current system
to ensure - The current transitions ie year 4 to
5 and year 8 to 9 are handled more effectively (
and the schools are jointly responsible for ) That
all schools are more effectively supported to
build and deliver effective improvement plans to
get to GOOD/ OUTSTANDING That funding is
provided to ensure that all first and middle
schools are able to close teaching resource and
facilities gaps That more is done to deliver
facilities and teaching cost efficiencies That a
more effective schools partnership is built to
drive improvements in standards and
efficiencies. Note my proposed suppport of a
shared governance model across the Dukes and
Lindisfarne Middle Schools and the removal of
the Aln Federation governance model in Option
A
School in my opinion is not all about grades and
tests although granted they are very important.
School is a child's chance to find themselves, find
out what they excell at, gain important skills that
will last a lifetime. Middle school builds a
child'sconfidence at the right developmental
level. Mixing with age appropriate peers and
gaining important social skills that take them
through into the next phase of schooling at high
school. I would not b happy with my child
mixing with much older pupils on the bus to
school. I did it myself and it was not a pleasent
experience. Who is going to be responsible for
these minors while they are travelling 12 miles.
Seeing them on and off the bus? The middle
school is the heart of the village. It will be taking
away the reason people want to live here, this in
turn will affect or community, businesses. We
don't want to become a ghost town.
However this is a better solution than
amalgamating the middle schools and rushing
This is my preference. It works, my child is
happy, we have choice.
Because this system isn't broke so why try to
change it. It works very well the way it is.
My answers to the previous questions should
explain my thoughts on this, however, I would
only agree with this if the Dukes and Lindisfarne
do not merge.
I had a 2 tier education on Yorkshire and I have
no issue with it. Results show that 2 tier works
better educationally for the children as it
provides continuity of education - primaries
become responsible for the whole period of
education. Financially it makes more sense too.
You need to think about the children here it has
been proven that when drurudge bay
amalgamated with jcsc in Amble it took 2 years
to sort and a child's education is very important
ie little disruption.
2 middle schools give parents a choice about the
school that serves their child/children best. Both
schools are very good and parents remain happy
with the way it is. It would mean far less staff
redundancies and no disruption for the children.
I think change is required and that the
amalgamation of the Dukes and Lindisfarne
middle schools is a good move for all. My main
concern is that the best teachers are retained
from both schools. However, should there end
up being no change, then Lindisfarne will require
its own head teacher. But the general consensus
from parents I have spoken to is that Option C is
not really going to be considered - we all know
that changes are in the pipeline.
I think that we cannot continue as we have
indefinitely and that we have to be brave!
It is really up to Lindisfarne and the Duke's to
decide their own fate but don't drag the other
Middle Schools into it!
No change is needed. Seahouses have 2 fabulous
schools.
FALLING ROLE NUMBERS MAKE THIS DIFFICULT.
THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND IS CLEARLY
MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DUKES MIDDLE
TO REMAIN ON THE CURRENT SITE.
This system has worked for year's and all the
children work well as it is
The nature of North Northumberland and the
dispersed population means that children need
to be educated as near to their homes for as
long as possible before they start to travel to
Alnwick for High School. The proposed Annex to
the High School at Lindisfarne does not address
the fact that 9 year old children will spend 1.5
hours per day to attend a sub standard facility
with a record of poor achievement.
Obviously Lindisfarne's current status is a
concern. Is it possible to have a pre-Ofsted
'health check' now by a leading practitioner from
one of the Ponteland Middle Schools to predict
the likely outcome of the next inspection.
The current three tier system in my opinion
gives children in particular with S E N a better
transition from one size school to another their
social and health needs are met in a far better
way than a two tier system ever possibly could
Why change something that is working for our
rural community.
Prefer model B
Yes it should remain 3 tier , we live in Seahouses
& have a fantastic middle school , we are a small
community & the school is the heart of that
community& I can think of nothing worse than
my child who starts middle school in September
getting on a bus and travelling to Alnwick every
day adding an extra 2 hours onto his day , please
leave the schools how they are
Dukes should be left alone Not adverse to 2tier
though but not as presently planned- see
previous alternate model
We are also not naive enough to think that no
change means 'no change'. This consultation
provides the perfect opportunity to make a
decision that will take forward the education
system in Northumberland. We would not wish
to be faced with these discussions again in
another five/ten years and were pleased to learn
that Andrew Johnson felt the same way. He is
clearly pro-active in his role
Sort of. If local gossip is true the Duke wants the
Dukes School site for housing, then NCC has little
choice but move the Dukes school.
I do feel the actual schools in Alnwick would
benefit from their amalgamation.
the current system works at the dukes middle
school but LMS needs a lot of help to get upto
the same quality as the other schools in alnwick
Let's see what a potential new government can
do for our county, in terms of funding There so
many housing developments planned for the
Alnwick area we may well need the extra
capacity in our schools in the near future.
I am happy if things were to remain unchanged.
Happy,child making progress and doing well.
Model B
Prefer model B
See B
That would be to give in to the bullying tactics of
the picket line parents. A picket line is not
something I would ever be able to be associated
with. And I do not wish my children to encounter
one either.
Dukes is a drain on education funding. I want our
children to benefit from this money and not the
landlord. However the property money MUST
be put back into the education of Alnwick
children and not a way of Northumberland
County Counvil saving money.
If three tier is to continue, I would not like to see
The Duke's School amalgamate with LMS.
I have no objections to a 2 tier or 3 tier system
as both have arguments for and against them.
See my concerns on the previous page for me as
a parent of a year 4 child now to be happy with
it. I would rather it stayed 3 tier as present than
for the year 7 and 8's to be on a separate site at
Lindisfarne.
since the Dukes middle school is no longer
financially viable for the educational needs of
the children.
Northumberland is a large rural county , our
system of 3 tier is working , you can't expect to
travel small children 5 days a week from the
rural hamlets in winter when the roads are icy
and dark just to save money and have a large
school , that from I can see will be on split sights
M daughter is duple to go to lindisfarne and I do
not want her leaving an outstanding school to go
to one in 'special measurr'..Every Child is owed
the best education and this would definitely not
be provided...
the increased rental for the Dukes school makes
it not viable
more disruption to pupils through their school
life
More efficient use of resources, better
recruitment of staff
Lindisfarne is in too much trouble to not do
anything
If it isn't broken, don't try to fix it!! All 3 schools
attended by my children are rated good with
outstanding features. They are all our catchment
schools and do a wonderful job educating and
caring for all their pupils.
I think the change would be positive to two tier
providing sufficient funding is allocated.
The DUke's Middle School has recently been
ranked as number 1 performing school in
Northumberland. The recent Ofsted inspection
has shown how good an education the pupils
receive. It is absolutely ludicrous that you are
considering closing such a high achieving school
when there are other areas of the county where
schools are not performing as well. Money
would be better spent on improving the
education of the pupils at this school. Lindisfarne
may well be in special measures but now that
they have a head teacher who knows what she is
doing they will be able to get out of the mess
they are in with appropriate support. The
middle and high schools in Alnwick work well as
a partnership and ensure continuity through
such a close working relationship. Why try to fix
something that doesn't need fixing!
It seems clear from the documentation provided
that some changes have to be made because of
projected pupil numbers and difficulties with the
current schools and I have no objection in
principle to a two tier system.
Bad phrasing of the above question in that I
believe that all schools should continue to
operate within the three tier system but that is
also part of option A that does involve change;
the merger of the two middle schools in Alnwick
and I do agree with the changes outlined in
option A.
I prefer option B
3 tier not in line with rest of country and does
not fit in with education system.
For the children of Embleton and the other
feeder schools into Seahouses it works. I have
two nephews coming up through the system and
worry about how things would work and could
they cope with the travel, the lack of real after
school clubs. A school where they are not known
personally.
Currently Swarland School is an OUTSTANDING
SCHOOL, I know that because I go everyday and
listen to my children talk about how amazing
their school day bas been right up until the point I believe the 3 tier system works perfectly well in
the smaller areas of Northumberland, and North
Northumberland, therefore leaving the schools 3 tier fails our students - they lack independence
as a result of being spoon fed for SATS then have
little to do in year 7 and 8 then no time to
redress this in year 9.
Because, whilst it has problems, I believe any
additional funds could be much better spent to
improve the pupil's education. I am also
concerned that the governors of the schools
seem to be acting according to personal beliefs
rather than in the interests of pupils.
As previously stated I believe a two tier system
should be installed.
It works - Dukes school on its own is a fantastic
school - a great bridge for smaller schools to
filter towards high school. Lindisfarne is making
huge improvements and needs to continue to do
so and be retained as it stands so parents have a
choice
Q14 | If you have an alternative suggestion to any of the
options set out in this document that would deal with the
issues raised, please set it out below
sfgsdfg
Model A/B adapted: Sep 15: Lindisfarne & Dukes combine at
Lindisfarne site (Y6, 7 and 8); Dukes site handed back. Sep
15: First schools retain Y5 children Sep 16: Y7, 8 and 9
children from Lindisfarne combined all start at Secondary
school on Greensfield Site Sep 16: Lindisfarne site becomes
6th Form Centre of Excellence for North Northumberland
Sep 16: First schools retain Y6 children
The consultation should be county wide and to introduce 2
tier across Northumberland to allow parents to have a
choice and for NCC to have a more strategic view on the
future without barriers of having different systems in
different parts of Northumberland.
model A or even better model C are the models with the
least impact to parents, children and schools.
None.
An alternative model would see an Enhanced B solution.
Current Y4 children should remain in their current setting as
Y5 in Sept 15. This allows the middle schools to
amalgamate in Sep 15 with a view to eventual closure in Sep
16. It allows an orderly transition to a 2 tier system without
adversely affecting the education of the 96 children that are
are forecast to enter middle school in Sep 15. The current
first schools then have a natural cohort that would be
tracked through KS2 SATs when they become Y6 in Sep 16.
I realise that this will mean some infrastructure challenges,
particularly for Shilbottle and Swansfield Park First Schools.
However, careful use of temporary classrooms for 1 year
whilst a building programme is undertaken will ensure that
the education of these children is not interrupted as it
would be under any of the other models. It also reduces the
financial burden on parents, not having to buy new school
uniforms for 1 year of middle scho ol then high school a
year later. I would also advocate the use of the current LMS
site as a 6th Form College for DCHS instead of housing Y7/8
on that site. This makes a more manageable age range
within the new DHCS site and would give a sense of moving
on for children entering 6th Form.
Let the federation in Alnwick sort themselves out. Stop
interfering with the current system. DO NOT push for 2 tier
system that will leave children ill equipped in life and
education! Shocking move yet again by Northumberland
County Council. I would rather move to a different area than
allow my child to be short changed by this disgrace of a
council!
The only alternative is to keep our middle school
All schools are different and need different things
depending on where you live. But surely in Alnwick they
don't have the same issues as of that of a child living rurally
like seahouses. Travel times ? After school clubs? Safety
aspects ? Children's happiness and well being? Please keep
our education 3 tier for the sake of our children
To deal with rural schools individually as there are so many
potential problems relating to Model B. Schools outside of
Alnwick in rural areas have many different needs which I
don't think have even been taken into consideration when
model B was proposed.
Leave well alone
Merge the middle schools in Alnwick, leave everyone else
alone!
Leave as it is at present
Would be better to shut seahouses first school rather than
the middle if it had to go to 2 tier!
KEEP OUR MIDDLE SCHOOLS
No
I will be attendingtwo of the consulation meetings to gain
more information, but I feel this whole situation is being
rushed and hurried along.
None
Leave the school as it is please
Seahouses Middle School must be seen as a different case
to Alnwick's Middle Schools and their feeder First Schools,
due to the distance pupils would need to travel and the
excellent education/facilities offered here already. In my
opinion, we should not be under consultation in the same
process as Alnwick Middle Schools and their associated First
Schools.
My alternative suggestion is as described in Model B ie.
move to two tier in Sept 2015 (NOT 2016). Keep current y4
at First Schools for 2 more years til y7 then move to High
School. Less disruption, better continuity of education and a
two tier system which I understand is proving to be working
in other parts of the County. After speaking to Shilbottle
governors I understand this modified Model B is something
they would support
ow would you feel if you lived in Seahouses and this was
affecting you child/ grandchild?
I don't see a problem merging the two alnwick middle
schools if that is where the concern lies, but leave the 3 tier
system alone.
I have included these in the response to option A to C
THE HIGH SCHOOL SHOULD ACCOMMODATE THE YEARS 7 &
8 and make it truly a two tier system, don't mess about with
our children's education. Thank you.
Sell the Lindisfarne site to raise funds for increasing capacity
of new high school
Let Seahouses Middle school stay as it is without the schools
in Alnwick. Because Belford & Wooler will keep there
middle schools so let them become a partnership
Move to 2 Tier in 1 September 2015 (Option B but in 2015
Current Year 3 children will become Year 5 and current Year
4 children move to Duchess’s High School (site to be
decided) as Year 7.
No if it's working leave it as it is let lindisfarne sort there
own problems. It costs me £24 a week to send my child
Dukes but I know she's happy and has just settled. Into
Dukes no problem you need to think of children here
definitely !!
As work is yet to really begin on the new High school, the
option to extend the High school should be considered. If a
2-tier system is agreed, the Government should be asked for
extra funding as circumstances have now changed. And if all
these changes are all about what is best for the children,
then the money should be found from somewhere. Our
location should not put us at a disadvantage to city schools
and we deserve to be able to produce a school that meets
the needs of our children, therefore extra funding should be
considered. As I have said, it is imperative that any changes
are implemented 'right first time' and if that means taking 2
or 3 years, then so be it. At least it will be done right.
If the schools in Alnwick want to be 2 tier than can they not
do that without affecting schools in the surrounding
villages?
LINDISFARNE AND DUKES MERGER BE DELAYED UNTIL 2016
AS THIS WILL ALLOW TIME FOR IT TO BE PROPERLY
ORGANISED AND NOT BECOME A RUSHED BOTCHED JOB.
Keep the way it is
Ponteland Middle and Richard Coates Middle are graded
outstanding by Ofsted. Use their staff expertise to help
Lindisfarne regain what it has lost; mentoring, teacher
swaps, sharing best practice and shadowing. All staff are
NCC employees and should work to help raise standards
across the county. The Lindisfarne children should each
have a class visit to a Ponteland Middle School to
understand what they can achieve and can be expected of
them.
Model D - create learning village at new high school site
incorporating first, middle and high / primary & secondary.
See previous
1. Delay any moves until September 2016. 2. For the County
Council to sell off the Lindisfarne site. The finance from this
sale would be put toward extending the new high school
build, allowing for the two tier system to work effectively
and from one site. 3. As the current lease for the Dukes
Middle School still has a few years to run, move the
Lindisfarne children to the Dukes School site. 4. All first
school children due to start middle school within the next
few years would remain at First School in the Primary
system. They would then move into the new high school,
which would be large enough to accommodate all
secondary pupils, including those from the Dukes School
site. We feel very strongly that this option must be
discussed and considered. Obviously there are obstacles
with it - the current terms of the contract for the new high
school build and the availability of space in First Schools -
but it needs to be looked at carefully and comprehensively.
The size of the high school is perhaps one of the most
important points of discussion. We cannot emphasise
enough that NOW is the perfect time to ensure that it is
large enough; it would be a tragic waste of time and
resources if it was not fit for purpose.
none
Provide education up to 16 at St Paul's in the future.
Consolidate some of the many very small schools with their
neighbours. Some have fewer than 20 pupils yet retain a
head teacher, form teacher, care taker, cook, TAs and
secretary and are within a 3 mile radius of another under-
capacity first school. Add in the utility bills, consumables
and building maintenance - phew! Transporting these
pupils a short distance would save huge sums per pupil.
Don't ask for parents views, petitions or picket lines. You the
education sector must know what's best for our children.
Make the right decision yourselves. Parents see vey little of
what goes on in school. Teachers can read and interpret
results and make an educated decision what's in the best
interest for our children.
AS previous. Children not to be moved to Lindisfarne but to
stay in current 1st schools in temp accommodation.
The year 4 children need to considered more as they are
going to be the ones who suffer in all the change and it will
be detrimental to their education. The date for June 2015 is
far too late. This only leaves 4 weeks until the end of the
term and we as parents and also the teachers need to
prepare the year 4 children as to where they are going to be
in September 2015 and what middle school they will be
attending. We need to be kept informed of any decisions
made long before June 2015 for something that is
happening in September 2015.
no
leave Dukes school alone , spend time getting lindisfarne
out of the mess the governors got them into .more children
are movieng into the area eg house Eg developments are
popping up every where , so yjat means more admissions so
more money, Leave our system the way it is
I would want my child to stay at shilbottle where she has a
brilliant education, she feels secure and where she can carry
on growing academically...I understand that there would
probably need to be and shuffle around or an external cabin
to fit the children in but surely this is much better than
moving her to a school she doesn't know, strange teachers
and massive classes and also building work going on..Surely
the less disruption and smoother transission for the children
is the most important thing, whilst and we the same time
still receiving the best possible education. .I feel very
strongly about this as my daughters education is the most
important thing in all of this.
My only thought would be for the current Lindisfarne site to
become a sixth form centre as opposed to a junior senior
school.
Allow the first schools to become primary schools from
September 2015. This will result in minimum disruption for
the first school children most affected. It should result in no
extra resource being needed, as it is money which will have
to be spent on the primary schools over the next two years
anyway. It will also allow the huge changes to the middle
and high schools to be conducted in a considered, calm and
well-organised manner and ensure the children most
affected in these schools can be more easily monitored to
ensure they are disrupted and affected as little as possible.
Please can you look at changing Swarland School catchment
to the Morpeth partnership. It appears that for several years
parental choice has been largely to go to Dr.Thomlinsosn,
the majority of students from Swarlnad school already live No - however I find it disgusting you don't even have
Swarland First School in the list of schools affected and hope
that is an oversight you quickly address.Secondary school with annex for sixth form? Pause the high
school build and redesign a fit for purpose secondary that
fits all students under one roof and allows for an expanding
population. The current high school design is sub standard
and our students will suffer due to the space limitations,
strangulous PFI contracts and a lack of budgetary
management meaning outdated legacy equipment that is
beyond the end of it's working life. We are short changing
our students so braver decisions need to be made.