Detailed proposals on what the future of schools in Berwick may look like will go before Cabinet next week (October 11).  
 

The County Council has pledged £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.  
 

Feedback from an informal pre-consultation on the appetite for a two or three-tier system showed significant support for both.   
 

The council has therefore put forward two detailed alternative proposals and is asking Cabinet to approve a Phase 2 pre-consultation 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. 
 

“We’ve therefore recommended that Cabinet approve the initiation of Phase 2 pre-consultation setting 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.”  
 

The report will be considered by Cabinet on October 11.

If approved, a 15-week (school weeks) consultation would begin on 31 October 2022.

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

Read the report here.