First schools in Berwick area set to be converted to primary schools as move to two tier gathers pace
Work to convert a string of first schools into primary schools is set to get underway as part of a move to a two-tier system.
Nine first schools in the Berwick Partnership will switch age ranges under the proposed changes. The switch from three-tier is due to be completed by September 2026.
The switch will be managed in a phased manner, with the first schools retaining their current year four pupils to become year fives from next September and again as year sixes the following year. As part of the changes, expansion work is needed at the schools to accommodate the extra pupils.
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The schools affected are: Wooler First School, Tweedmouth West First School, Holy Trinity Church of England First School, St Mary's Church of England First School, Scremerston First School, Norham First School, Spittal First School, Tweedmouth Prior Park First School and Lowick Church of England First School.
The budget for the changes was originally set at £5.77 million. However, since that money was approved in 2023, the budget has been revised up to £8.21 million after design work and the appointment of contractors. This increase will be funded via grant funding the council has received.
Speaking at Tuesday's cabinet meeting, portfolio holder for education Coun Guy Renner Thompson explained the benefits the changes would have for the area.
He said: "The money is for the changing of first schools into primary schools. It is also for an increase in SEND capacity in the north of the county so these children won't have to travel to Alnwick or Amble or any of our other special schools.
"It also includes a community hub in Wooler where the soon to be redundant middle school will be a family and community hub. I think the key point is this is not just a project for Berwick, it is for the whole of North Northumberland - from Wooler to Belford up to Berwick.
"It is about the wider rural area. There's many schools included and we're totally invested in that part of the county."
Council leader Glen Sanderson added: "It's absolutely crucial that we remain focused on that part of the county and provide the best education for people in North Northumberland."
The decision comes as teachers at the partnership's doomed middle schools continue their campaign of strike action over potential job losses. Staff walked out this week with further strike action planned between October 22 and October 24.
The teaching union NASWUT claimed the council has "failed to honour" a pledge to protect staff from job losses, while the council argue it aims to secure permanent employment for all staff over the next two years.