Final fortnight for Pershore education review

There are two weeks left for residents to share their views on proposals on changes to schools in the Pershore area.

So far over 140 residents have shared their views and schools would like to hear from as many people as possible before this consultation closes.

Schools in Pershore have asked for age ranges of the schools to be reviewed and changes to be coordinated for there to be a clear and consistent education pathway for children in this education planning area.

The consultation period launched last month and will run through to noon on Friday 26 November providing residents with an opportunity to share their views about what is important about age ranges of schools and transitions.  

Councillor Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member for Education at Worcestershire County Council said, "We are really grateful to those who have already shared their views so far, and we would encourage as many people as possible to have their say before the engagement period closes.

"We have been liaising with Pershore schools and Academy Trusts for some time now about the current school system in Pershore and their desire for a coordinated approach to change of age ranges that is clear and consistent for children and families. "

"The responses we receive will allow proposers and decision makers at the very earliest stage to ensure the needs of current residents as well as communities for generations to come will be met."

Following a direct approach from schools in the Pershore area, a technical analysis has already been done to evaluate the risks and issues relating to the current organisation of the schools in the planning area.

The education provision in Pershore mostly follows a three-tier journey, where pupils attend first schools from age 4-9, transfer to middle schools at age 9-12 and then transfer to high school at age 12 to complete their education. 

Changes to schools in the Pershore education planning area over several years has led to uncertainty and sustainability concerns across the education planning area as there now exists a mixture of two-tier and three-tier with some schools in this area already converted to primary and secondary schools. Those schools that have already completed the transition will make no further changes.

The results of the consultation will be discussed at February's Cabinet before a final decision is made for the Local Authority Maintained schools. 

The Regional Schools Commissioner and some governing bodies will also need to make final decisions in February in relation to other schools.

For more information and to have your say on the proposals please visit: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/pershorereview