A recent consultation by North Tyneside Council has brought clarity to the future of several schools in the region. Launched on October 2, 2023, the six-week consultation proposed the closure of Monkseaton Middle School and the merger of multiple primary schools, including Langley First with Appletree Gardens, and Forest Hall with Ivy Road, as well as Greenfields with Hazlewood.
The council justified these proposals by citing a decline in birth rates, which has significantly affected school budgets. Factors such as school locations, building sizes, and overall quality were also considered in the initial recommendations. The proposals sparked considerable public outcry, leading to protests, campaigns, and even endorsements from local celebrities advocating for the preservation of the schools. Community members organized fundraising efforts to support potential legal challenges against the proposed closures.
Following the conclusion of the consultation, the council announced a pause on the plans to close both Monkseaton Middle School and Langley Primary. The council now aims to explore options to enlarge Monkseaton and transition Langley into an academy, hoping to avoid closures entirely.
Next Steps for Primary Schools
While Monkseaton and Langley have been offered a reprieve, the proposals to merge Forest Hall and Ivy Road primary schools, along with Greenfields and Hazlewood, are moving forward to the next phase of planning. The council is expected to engage further with the community to discuss these changes and gather additional input.
The future of these schools remains uncertain, but the council’s recent decisions indicate a willingness to adapt based on public feedback and changing circumstances. Local stakeholders are watching closely as the situation develops, and community engagement will be crucial in shaping the final outcomes for education in North Tyneside.
