Schools' Reorganisation Suspended

11.28.06am GMT Wed 18th Feb 2009

The lack of available capital due to the worldwide financial crisis means that the 'Putting the Learner First' programme, which would have forced the abolition of middle schools across Northumberland, has been suspended. This move also fulfills the Lib Dem election promise that an education review needs to consider each school pyramid individually rather than applying a 'one-size fits all' approach across the County. Morpeth's three schools KEVI, Chantry and Newminster, which are achieving excellent results, are now proposing to increase their collaboration by forming a federation with a single governing body. Simon Reed, Lib Dem executive member responsible for Education and prospective parliamentary candidate for Wansbeck said: "I am delighted by the continuing great results of the Morpeth schools and welcome the efforts of governors and teaching staff to work together to make them even better. I will continue to press the Government to release the money they promised under the "Building Schools for the Future" programme to upgrade school buildings, which in many areas are in very poor condition."