Update on school changes in the Almondbury area
We are pleased to bring an important update on the changes taking place at schools in Almondbury and the surrounding area.
When was this decision made?
This follows the decision made by Kirklees Cabinet, in July of this year, to change the age range of Almondbury Community School (ACS) and remove the secondary phase from September 2020.
Will pupils be able to access a place in an alternative local secondary school?
After working closely with the Kirklees family of schools, we have ensured that all pupils at ACS will be able to access a place in an alternative local secondary school from September 2020. All affected families have received a full update and have been invited to express a preference for one of King James’s School, Netherhall Learning Campus High School or Newsome High School – all of which are local to Almondbury – from September 2020 onwards.
Cllr Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said:
“We have been very mindful that the parents and carers of ACS pupils needed certainty about the future opportunities for their children. We have worked extremely hard, along with local schools, to achieve this as quickly as possible.
Helping children and young people to fulfil their potential is absolutely at the heart of the changes we are making. I would like to thank families for their patience and thank King James’s, Netherhall and Newsome schools for working with us so positively to support families.
Changing the age range of ACS was a very difficult decision but, if we had not gone ahead, it was highly likely that the government would have instructed us to close the whole school. We are now clearly focused on future opportunities, providing a high level of support to families over the coming months and helping young people to achieve.”
It is vitally important for all children to access a broad curriculum in a setting which is secure and sustainable for the long term as this improves their outcomes and enhances their opportunities.
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
“I want to sincerely thank all of the parents and children who have engaged in this process, who made representations at Cabinet and who have shown tremendous patience throughout. I understand their genuine concerns and my Cabinet and the council will do everything we can to help, support and find the best alternative solution for their children.
We will continue involving families at every stage and our priority is for pupils to have smooth transitions that are well planned and well supported. We enjoy excellent relationships with local schools and, together, we share the ambition of securing the best possible standards for children and young people across Kirklees.”
Want to find out more?
Further information on the changes is available on our school organisation and planning page.