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How many secondary schools will Worksop have?

It is proposed that two schools should be built, each accommodating around 1500 students. One will be on the Sparken Hill site and one on the present Valley School site.

Why can’t we continue to have three secondary schools as at present?

The number of 11-16 students within Worksop, (approximately 3000 for the foreseeable future), means that to build three schools for 1000 students is more expensive than the building of two schools of 1500 students. The DfES has publicly stated that it does not want the quality of the new schools to be compromised as a result of the reduction in credits being awarded. This option is not in best interests of children and not value for money, therefore more economic use has to be made of the PFI funding.

We could re-build two schools and leave one school untouched. However, we do not feel this would be fair to the pupils of that school and experience shows that the two new schools would attract higher number of pupils creating difficulties for the third.

Why can’t a school be built at Gateford?

This was one of the options, but it has not been possible to acquire a site of a suitable size in a suitable location. It must be remembered that the cost of the land for a new school must be paid for out the PFI funds and although land on which the old school stood could be sold, there is likely to be a negative price difference.

Why not have a single very large school for Worksop?

Having considered it, we did not feel it would not be a sensible solution to create one school with around 3000 11 - 16 year old pupils as the scale of the operation would be too large and complex to provide the degree of personal attention required. It would also mean that parents in Worksop had no opportunity to express a preference for a particular school. There would be no choice.

Will the schools be 11-18?

Both schools will be classed as 11-18, but only 11-16 year old students will actually be taught ‘on site’. All of the students in year 12 and beyond will be based separately in the post-16 centre.

Why will post-16 students be taught ‘off site’?

The post -16 centre is being built to improve facilities exclusively for post-16 students.

These provisions could not be offered by individual schools and will encourage more post-16 students to remain in education, thus improving both staying on rates and achievement levels. Greater numbers in the post -16 centre will also mean that the centre is able to offer a wider and richer range of courses for students to choose. This was a fundamental part of the bid that attracted Government approval and the support of the Learning and Skills Council who have responsibility for oversight of post-16 provision.

Will the teachers work in their school and the post 16 centre?

Yes, teachers who presently teach both 11-16 and post-16 students at the same school will continue to do so.

Will students have to travel between 11-16 school sites for post-16 lessons?

The post-16 students will be taught at the new post-16 centre on Carlton Road, which with the North Nottinghamshire College will form a campus learning environment. This may result in some students, depending on their chosen courses, accessing the college’s facilities. However these will only be across the road.

Students will not be taught at the 11-16 sites. However, these sites will have more sports facilities and post 16 students will be timetabled to make use of these amenities as necessary.

How will Bircotes and Harworth School now be affected by these new circumstances?

Bircotes and Harworth will continue to teach post-16 students on site. The school will be rebuilt and refurbished on its present site. However, North Border Junior and North Border Infant Schools, will be relocated onto the site in new purpose built accommodation and the whole site will become a 3-18 teaching facility.

When will all this happen?

It is envisaged that the Worksop post-16 centre and the two new secondary schools in Worksop will open in September 2007.

How do I make my views known to the Local Authority?

Consultation meetings were held in October and November 2003 with staff, parents and governors of all secondary schools in Worksop. Officers of the Education Department explained the proposals in more detail, listened to views and comments and answered questions about the proposals.