Have your say on changes to schools in Shefford, Stotfold and the surrounding area
Tuesday, 29 October 2019
A public consultation has today (October 29) been launched on proposals to change schools in Shefford, Stotfold and the surrounding area.
This is part of the Schools for the Future programme, a long-term plan to meet the demand of new housing growth across Central Bedfordshire.
Designed to ensure that the area has the right schools, in the right places delivering the best education to children, the Schools for the Future programme will cover the whole of Central Bedfordshire but will be delivered in stages. This is in line with the needs of each community.
Shefford and Stotfold is an area that will grow with around 5,400 new homes set to be built over the next 10-15 years. This growth would mean an additional 3,500 new school places will be needed.
The plan, which has been developed collectively between headteachers, governing bodies, multi-academy trusts, the diocese and Central Bedfordshire Council, will increase the capacity of each school. This will allow them to accommodate additional school places, while providing a great education for all pupils now and in the future.
The proposals mean that all schools in Shefford, Stotfold and the surrounding area will move to a primary /secondary model, an opportunity which all of the schools want to take.
The plan would see all 17 lower schools becoming primary schools. Four new primary schools will be built and two of these would provide new accommodation for Campton Lower and Gothic Mede Academy, both of which would relocate.
Samuel Whitbread Upper School, Etonbury Academy, Pix Brook Academy, Robert Bloomfield Academy and Henlow Academy, would all become secondary schools.
Samuel Whitbread and, at a later date, either Pix Brook Academy or Etonbury Academy would also accommodate sixth form provision.
If the plans are agreed, changes would take place between 2021-2029.
The consultation is open now and runs until 5pm on 20 January 2020. To have your say, please complete the questionnaire at www.schoolsforthefuture.co.uk.