Kirklees Together

Families whose children will be leaving Almondbury Community School (ACS) by September 2020, due to the secondary phase closing down, are receiving the formal offer of a school place.

Working closely with the Kirklees family of schools, the council had ensured that ACS pupils would be able to access a place at one of King James’s School, Netherhall Learning Campus High School or Newsome High School, all of which are local to Almondbury. Parents were given a choice – and all those who expressed a preference have been matched to the school they named.

In another boost to families, ACS pupils are to be offered free uniform items for the school they are joining next year. This will include uniform which contains school logos – such as jumpers – so that the council can support families in preparing for the change.

Pupils who have left ACS since the summer will also be eligible for a uniform payment as the council will reimburse families equivalent to the same free uniform items. Full details about support with uniform will be shared with families soon.

Cllr Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said:

“We are making very strong progress in taking forward these changes, and I would like to thank local schools for their co-operation and support. Our top priority has always been for children to achieve their potential in schools which are secure and sustainable for the long term.

It’s excellent news that all ACS parents who expressed a preference for their new school have been matched to the school they named. We have listened to their responses and we are delighted with this outcome.

We also hope our offer of free school uniform items will really help to support local families. The council is absolutely committed to ensuring every child will have a carefully managed transition which best suits their needs.”