Planning Begins for Whitby School Merger

Wednesday, 21 June 2023 06:00

By Matthew Pells

The Governors of Whitby's Secondary Partnership say they want to provide the best education and opportunities for Whitby's youngster.

It comes as North Yorkshire Council yesterday backed a plan to merge Eskdale School and Caedmon College from September 2024.

Co-Chair of Governors - Sue Crossland - says they want to work with the community to improve secondary education in the town.

Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive have agreed to proceed with plans to amalgamate Caedmon College and Eskdale School.

The combined pressures of falling pupil numbers and financial challenges faced by both schools, prompted the merger proposals.

North Yorkshire Council's Director for Young People's Services - Stuart Carlton - says they did look at all the alternatives.

Deputy Leader of the council - Councillor Gareth Dadd - says making change is never easy but feels the merger is the best option for secondary education in the town.

There is now just over a year for the governors and staff to prepare for the change. Stuart Carlton says there is an imperative for the merger process to be clear and comprehensive for both students and their parents.

Stuart says there will be additional support to help SEN pupils make the transition.

One practical issue will be the standardising of uniform requirements as the two schools merge. Stuart Carlton says calls for financial assistance with the cost of changing the uniform will be looked at.

Under the merger plan there will continue to be a sixth form offer in the town. Stuart Carlton says the governors have been clear about their commitment to 16-18 education in Whitby.

The proposal to merge the two schools and effectively close Eskdale School was put forward by the Governors of the Whitby Secondary partnership who cited the falling pupil numbers and financial challenges faced by both schools as the reason for the plan.

The council's Director for Young People's Services has praised the governors for the hard work they have done during the merger consultation.

RELATED STORIES : Eskdale School to Close as Whitby Secondary Merger Plan Approved

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