The next stage of public consultation on the future of schools in Berwick will get underway after two alternative proposals were approved by Cabinet.   
 

Northumberland County Council has pledged almost £40m to invest in schools in the Berwick Partnership and establish it as a beacon of educational excellence as part of its county-wide investment programme.   
 

But with declining pupil numbers, surplus places and children leaving the partnership for neighbouring schools in Scotland and Alnwick, a consultation process has begun to ensure the school system is sustainable and will deliver the best outcomes for young people.  
 

The Berwick Partnership is based on a three-tier structure and feedback from an informal pre-consultation on preferences for a two or three-tier system showed significant support for both.   
 

The council has therefore put forward two detailed alternative proposals based on both systems.  
 

Today (October 11) Cabinet approved a Phase 2 pre-consultation on the two proposals so that everyone involved has the chance to have their say.  
 

The proposals also include plans to increase SEND, post-16 and post-18 provision in the area.    
 

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Children’s Services, said: “Following the initial feedback, we’ve now put two detailed proposals together – one based on the two-tier system and one on the three-tier.   
 

“With falling pupil numbers, we have to look at creating a sustainable school system that will work best for our young people and both proposals include some school closures.  
 

“This is a once in a generation investment in education in the Berwick Partnership and we need to make sure we get it right so that it becomes a beacon of excellence long into the future.   
 

“There will be an extensive consultation process that will give everyone the chance to look at the two options and have their say.”  
 

Audrey Kingham, Joint Interim Director of Children’s Services and Director of Education and Skills, said: “Before committing to such investment in these schools, it’s important that the organisational structure within the Berwick Partnership is viable and sustainable in the medium to long-term, retaining pupils through all phases.  
 

“Feedback from the consultation shows support for both the two and three tier systems. 
 

“This Phase 2 pre-consultation sets out specific proposals for individual schools within both two-tier and three-tier structures.  
 

“The next steps in the process will enable everyone involved to read the full report, ask lots of questions and have their voices heard on how we can secure the best education and outcomes for our children and young people.”  
 

A 15-week (school weeks) consultation will begin on 31 October 2022. 
 

The outcomes of Phase 2 pre-consultation will then be brought back to Cabinet at a later date at which point Cabinet may be requested to approve the publication of statutory proposals for consultation.  
 

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