The future organisation of schools in Carlisle will be discussed by Cumbria County Council's cabinet next week (Tuesday 2 May).
Members of the cabinet will be asked to give the go ahead for extensive public consultation on four possible options for secondary education in the city.
Last year the council set up a School Organisation Forum under the leadership of former headteacher Roger Alston to carry out a major strategic review of education in the county. From this forum five Local Partnership Groups were established to look at different areas of the county. As well as head teachers and governors, the groups include representatives from district, town and parish councils, churches, further and higher education establishments, along with employers and MPs.
The Carlisle Local Partnership Group, endorsed by the School Organisation Forum, has come up with the options that will be presented to Cabinet next Tuesday.
Secondary education in the city was seen as a priority for review because:
- falling pupil numbers mean one in three desks will be empty by 2017
- Cumbria County Council has secured £30 million of government money to develop Carlisle's secondary education following the effects of the January 2005 floods.
County councillor Philip Chappelhow is the portfolio holder for children's services. He said:
"This is a once in a generation opportunity to take a look at secondary education in the city and shape a better educational future not just for the next few years but for the next 20 to 30 years.
"We need to address the issue of school places and school organisation more generally in response to new initiatives, but beyond that what we have now is
the chance to provide future education that puts the interests of young people first, and takes into account local priorities.
"It is an exciting and challenging time and I have been heartened to see everyone working together to find the best solutions."
The meeting will be held at the Courts in Carlisle at 10am on Tuesday 2 May.