Whitby schools merger: Calls for merger to be postponed due to 'no clear plans for pupils’

The Save Education Whitby group has called for the amalgamation of Eskdale School and Caedmon College Whitby to be postponed amid criticism that “there is no clear plan”.

In June, North Yorkshire Council’s executive committee approved the amalgamation of the schools “through ceasing to maintain Eskdale School” from August 2024.

The plan faced considerable opposition from both parents and politicians over concerns about the provision of choice as well as financial implications, but the authority said that it was “necessary due to low pupil numbers and significant financial challenges at both schools”.

In a letter to parents and carers earlier this month, the head of Whitby’s Secondary Partnership, said: “We are conscious that the plans for the creation of the new school and the bringing together of our schools and communities that we have inherited are not as advanced as we would have hoped but we are now moving at pace.”

The partnership’s executive leader, Mr J. Britton, said he was “very aware parents are seeking clarification and certainty” and added that the partnership was “working hard to develop, consult upon and share a clear plan once we have gathered the necessary information”.

However, the Save Education Whitby group, which was formerly known as Keep Choice in Whitby and Save Eskdale, said in an open letter: “There is no mission, no name, no values, no policies, no uniform.”

The group also hit out with concerns regarding the provision of subjects, large class sizes, catering provision, staffing, and funding at the new school.

It also raised the timing of partnership’s decision to undertake a review of the school sites to determine the capacity of the buildings and the specialist facilities available.

It asked: “Why was this capacity review not done before the consultation period to ensure that the Caedmon site could safely accommodate the extra 400+ pupils?”.

The open letter added: “We certainly don’t question the passion of the staff at either Caedmon or Eskdale as they continue to work under extremely difficult circumstances.”

Mr Britton, executive leader of the secondary partnership, said: “Although like you we are keen to bring clarity quickly, we also have a unique opportunity and every decision must be carefully considered, to create a truly fabulous place for our children to learn, a thriving community and a school of which you will be proud.”