Pupil Place Planning

We asked

The consultation sought the views of parents/carers and other stakeholders on options for change in schools. One proposal was an amalgamation of Manor Primary School and Hillside Primary School: the closure of both schools and opening of a new combined school on one site. Pupils from both schools would be guaranteed a place at the single school. The second proposal was amalgamation of St Peter’s Catholic Primary School and St Paul’s Catholic Primary School; the closure of both schools and opening of a new combined school on one site. Pupils from both schools would be guaranteed a place at the single school.

You said

The questionnaire had 421 responses, 104 direct representations were received and a petition specific to Manor Primary school from 238 individuals objecting to the proposal being consulted. There was significant opposition by the local community to the possibility of amalgamation of the schools.

For more information about the consultation and to view the consultation report click here.

We did

Following consultation alternative proposals were put forward and these were supported by Officer Decision Making by the Council. In summary these are:

• For St Peter’s and St Paul’s RC Primary Schools to maintain the schools as is with greater collaboration between schools moving forward land at an opportune time look to either a soft federation (each school retains its governing body but there is a shared leadership structure) or a hard federation (the school has one governing body but operates as two separate schools).
• Hillside Primary School have made an application to the DFE in relation to joining the Co-op Multi Academy Trust (MAT). Senior officers from the local authority have met with the CEO of the Co-op MAT, they have confirmed that given the expected pupil numbers that will attend the school in medium/long term they can support Hillside Primary School in remaining viable. This can be achieved through additional support they are willing to offer the school as part of the trust.
• Manor Primary School have shared an alternative proposal in relation to receiving continued support from the Leading Learners Trust. Senior Officers from the local authority have met with the CEO of the Leading Learners Trust. The school have been receiving support from the trust in relation to school improvement for the last 12 months and have articulated that with continued partnership the school can be supported to remain viable in the future.