School won’t be merged – council
CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to merge their village’s middle school are celebrating after the local community council refused to support the proposals
Northumberland County Council are currently in the middle of a consultation on plans to merge Seaton Sluice Middle School with Whytrig Middle School in nearby Seaton Delaval.
At Wednesday’s meeting of Seaton Valley Community Council, members refused to support the plans for the merger after hearing arguments from parents opposed to the plan.
Councillors heard from Vicki Bester, who set out the arguments of the 500-strong campaign group.
Reacting to the council’s decision, Vicki said: “I outlined our concerns which include that we have a school which is very popular and has a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. There is simply no justification for it to be closed.
“I have spoken to hundreds of parents and not one is in favour of the proposal from Seaton Valley Federation who govern the school as well as the middle school and high school in Seaton Delaval.
“Shiny new classrooms do not improve teaching standards and with some modest investment there is no reason why Seaton Sluice Middle School cannot continue to provide an excellent education for children from the village, Hartley, Seghill and parts of Blyth for decades to come.
“I was very pleased that the councillors listened and unanimously agreed that their preferred position is investment in Seaton Sluice Middle School and the lack of clarity regarding the new school’s location in Seaton Delaval meant the merger could not be supported.”
Under the plans, the pupils of both Seaton Sluice Middle School and Whytrig Middle School in nearby Seaton Delaval would be housed in a new school in planned new buildings shared with Astley High School on the same site. All three Northumberland schools are part of the Seaton Valley Federation of schools.
Seghill with Seaton Delaval councillor Eve Chicken argued strongly against the merger, and explained what she thought the impact would be on Seaton Delaval.
Coun Chicken said: “In my view, the Parish Council have come to the right conclusion for Seaton Valley.
“What must now happen is a discussion on how the £30m plus of investment that the county council has in place for schools in our area is spent.”