Directory

Access tools

Set Text size

A

|

A

|

A

Set Contrast

A

|

A

|

A

Text only
Translation
Listen

News

Schools for the Future Latest

Members of Poole’s Cabinet have agreed to begin formal consultation on a change to the age of pupil transfer between schools from September 2009, with the Council’s preferred option being transfer at the age 11.  This formal consultation will be undertaken across the whole of Poole.  However, Broadstone will be asked for their informal views only at this stage as funding is not yet available for the change needed for school buildings in this area.

Councillors also agreed to note the 15-year outline capital programme to support the changes which will include the upgrading of school buildings.

John Nash, Policy Director for Children’s Services, Borough of Poole, said: “We will be consulting the whole town on our vision for the future of education in Poole.  This continues the consultation that has been undertaken on this over the past two years.  The reasons for change are to enable us to provide better equality of opportunity for our young people; make best use of resources; improve the community role of schools; and reduce the number of changes that pupils have to make.  The Council’s preferred option is for a single change at age 11. The outcome of this consultation could provide us with a fantastic opportunity to improve the outcomes for young people in Poole for many years to come.”

A document detailing the proposed changes will be circulated shortly and relevant information will be provided on boroughofpoole.com.  A series of meetings will be held in March for the public to express their views.  The dates and venues for these meetings are to be arranged and publicised shortly.

Cllr Mike White, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Schools for the Future, Borough of Poole, said: “The outcome of this consultation will shape the future organisation of schools in the Borough.  It provides an opportunity for all residents to have their say and I encourage them to do so.”

At present there are 42 schools in Poole made up of first, combined, middle, secondary and special schools with varying ages of transfer across the town making for a highly complex school system. Factors including falling pupil numbers poor parental choice on where children can attend school and meeting curriculum demands has resulted in the need to carry out a re-organisation.

The Council secured £12 million last autumn in a Capital Targeted Bid from Central Government to cover the costs of re-organisation at Poole High School, Parkstone Grammar and Poole Grammar schools – subject to consultation and certain conditions being met. The Council also has a further £4 million from other sources put aside for the scheme. Funding for other schools will be sought from further targeted capital bids, developers contributions and other agencies.

Rachael Mills, Media Relations Manager, Communications, Borough of Pole tel 01202 633295