We're calling for feedback on plans to change two schools in Potton
Tuesday, 8 March 2022
We've launched a statutory consultation on a proposal to amalgamate Potton Lower School and Potton Middle School to create a primary school from September 2023.
This would involve extending Potton Lower School’s age range (to include children from reception age to year 6), and closing Potton Middle School, though both permanent school buildings would be retained in order to provide the accommodation required for the transition to two-tier education.
Read more about the plans and have your say.
The plans, which are part of the Schools for the Future programme, were first proposed in the summer of last year, along with plans for other schools in Biggleswade and the surrounding area to move towards a two-tier educational system.
Last month, our Executive Committee approved a consultation on amalgamating the two schools in Potton, and a review of proposals for the remainder of the schools in the area.
Councillor Sue Clark, our Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, said:
This proposal is part of the Schools for the Future long-term plan to make sure Central Bedfordshire has the right schools, in the right places, delivering the best education. Moving towards a two-tier educational system is part of achieving this.
While we consulted last year on changes to all schools in Biggleswade and the surrounding areas, the rationale for the earlier change at the two Potton schools, is in direct response to nearby schools in other areas who have already altered their age range, to become primary or secondary schools.
Unfortunately, this has resulted in Potton Middle School is experiencing reduced pupil numbers and it’s important that we address this now by amalgamating the two schools.
We’re also working on revised proposals for the remaining schools in the area and we look forward to sharing these soon with schools, parents and the local community.