Huddersfield schools consultation goes live
A consultation on possible changes to schools in Almondbury and the surrounding area has now gone live.
The proposals are designed to strengthen the local system, achieve the best possible standards of care and education and help children to fulfil their potential. It is a council priority for children and young people to have the best start in life.
Where do the proposals affect?
The proposals mainly affect Almondbury Community School, with other potential changes at King James’s School and Newsome High School. The consultation is vitally important in gathering feedback from parents, carers and the wider community, which will then help to shape the way forward.
Have the schools been involved?
Local schools have been involved in planning the possible changes and all interested parties are encouraged to have their say. The proposals aim to improve outcomes for children and would also meet the demand for school places at both primary and secondary level. When considering future pupil numbers, the council has factored in the impact of possible new housing developments in the area.
What are the plans for Almondbury Community School?
Almondbury Community School is an ‘all-through’ school for children aged from three to 16 years (including nursery) and the main proposal is to change the age range at ACS so it caters only for children aged from three to 11 years. This would mean removing the secondary phase of the school over a period of time still to be determined (but not before summer 2020). Almondbury Community School would remain open as a primary school, serving local children and families.
The number of pupils at Almondbury Community School has been reducing over recent years, while a recent Ofsted report said the school was ‘inadequate’ and required ‘Special Measures’. The new proposals aim to address some of these issues. Work is ongoing to make improvements, but decisions are needed on whether Almondbury Community School is sustainable in the long term in its current form.
At present, a total of approximately 300 pupils attend the secondary phase (which covers Year 7 to Year 11) and this means half of the available places are not taken. This number of pupils could be accommodated in the future at King James’s and Newsome if adjustments were made and extra places created at King James’s.
In addition, the primary places at Almondbury Community School (up to and including Year 6) are also under-subscribed so it’s proposed to gradually reduce the number of primary places available to 210 across the school. Children who already attend primary school at ACS would not be affected because they could remain until the end of Year 6. There would be enough places to meet demand across the borough’s schools.
How can I have my say?
The consultation lasts until April 23rd and all feedback will be reported to Kirklees Council’s Cabinet. Full details are online.