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Calls For Answers Following Eskdale School Merger

Monday, 17 July 2023 06:00

By Charlie Hopper

As plans progress to merge Whitby's Eskdale School and Caedmon College there are calls for more clarity about the changes.

Last month North Yorkshire Council approved the plan which will see the Eskdale pupils and staff move to the Caedmon College site from September 2024.

Whitby Town Councillor Robert Barnett says there are a number of issues that need addressing.

Eskdale School and Caedmon College, including Whitby Sixth Form, federated in July 2019, sharing an executive headteacher and a governing body. However, the combined pressures of falling pupil numbers and financial challenges faced by both schools, prompted the merger proposals.

Whitby Town Councillors have expressed their frustration with a lack of information about what the merger of the towns two secondary schools will mean for pupils and parents and at this months town council meeting their were also calls for more clarity over how the decision was made.

Responding to the questions - Neil Swannick - one of the town's two North Yorkshire Councillors said he understands the proper procedures have been followed.

The governing body set out three factors that led to the go-ahead for the amalgamation, acknowledging low pupil numbers, significant financial challenges at both schools and an imperative to give the “best education and curriculum to the young people of Whitby”.

The schools will amalgamate from September 1 next year.

The future of the Eskdale site, including its sports and community facilities and green space, will be considered as part of a separate process.

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