Consultation begins into plans to create federation for two schools

A CONSULTATION has been launched over the federation of Whitby’s two secondary schools, which would result in a single governing body overseeing two sets of staff, buildings and budgets.

The consultation, launched last night, will run until the start of February and governors argue this is the best option to create new sixth-form provision for young people in the area.

The federation, which would be called ‘The Whitby Secondary Partnership’, would see Eskdale School and Caedmon College Whitby federate – but authorities have stressed that it would maintain two separate sites for secondary schools.

A new Whitby sixth-form centre, though, would be created on the Scoresby site from September 2019.

“This is good for the students and good for the town,” said Gillian Teanby, Eskdale’s chair of governors. “We are focused on continuing to improve the quality of education and this is a big step forward.”

Pen Cruz, Caedmon’s chair of governors, added: “Through federation we can work together to enrich and strengthen educational opportunities for all students and develop a cohesive strategy for the future of secondary education in Whitby.”

The move has been backed by Sir Martin Narey, chairman of the North Yorkshire Coast Opportunity Area which was established by the Government to raise aspirations among young people on the coast.

It has also received support from Scarborough and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill.

Opportunity Area funding would be put forward, partners add, for a major redevelopment of Whitby sixth form provision.