Reorganisation Proposals

We are proposing a major re-organisation of secondary and special school provision. The impetus for this is the national 'Building Schools for the Future' programme, which offers us the opportunity to rebuild or refurbish all our secondary and special schools. In addition to BSF, though, there are several other reasons why we are proposing changes to our schools.

Rolls have been falling for the past five years or so, and will continue to do so for the next eight years or so. Empty school places still have to be heated and lit, building cleaned and insured. We are aware that a large number of our schools are wasting money on premises that are not being used.

• A number of our schools have too few pupils in them to be viable. Although many parents say they like small schools, small schools find it difficult to recruit and retain teachers (especially teachers in shortage subjects), to offer a broad curriculum, or to have enough money to invest in new facilities and equipment.
• Some of our schools occupy sites that are too small. Our proposals seek to ensure that all schools have enough external play areas, sports facilities and outside teaching areas.
• Many of our school buildings have come to the end of their natural life and need replacing. Many were built in the 1930s and 1950s to cope with rapidly rising roles after the first and second world wars. These buildings need replacing or modernising in order for them to deliver the curriculum we expect today.
• Some schools are in the wrong place. Over the years, populations shift as new housing areas are built. We are therefore planning not only to ensure that our new schools are near to local communities, but that we identify sites that we may need in future, if population trends change.

We recognise that closing or opening schools is not always popular. Understandably, people become attached to what they know. In some cases, generations of families have gone to the same school. However, while we appreciate the importance of the past, we also have to look to the future. Over the next few years the curriculum, particularly for young people aged 14-19, will change. Schools will be required to teach a broader range of subjects known as 'diplomas'. Few schools will be able to meet the needs of their students without planning and delivering in partnership with others - our aim, through this reorganisation, is to create strong viable schools that give every young person the very best possible start in life.

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