School Organisation Plan

Stockton Council has produced a School Organisation Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to give information about the supply of school places, the number of pupils in the schools maintained by the Authority, and forecast pupil numbers for the next five years.

All infant and primary schools operate nursery classes, and nursery places are also offered by providers in the private and voluntary sectors. There are sufficient places in all these nursery units for all three and four year olds that require a place.

Pupil numbers in primary schools (that is, infant schools, junior schools, and all-through primary schools) have previously been falling for some years across most of the Borough. However a higher number of births in each of the last four years has ended this decline. The latest projections show numbers rising for the next 3 years.

Secondary pupil numbers are continuing to decline after many years of stability. This decline will continue through the next five years. We expect them to reach their lowest in 2015 and then to rise gradually. In September 2010 two Academies, North Shore Health Academy and Thornaby Academy, were established in Stockton and Thornaby to replace Blakeston School, The Norton School and Thornaby Community School. Academies are independent schools outside the control of local authorities.

Any proposals to close or significantly alter schools are subject to a statutory process of consultation and decision. That process is outlined in the School Organisation Plan and can also be viewed at www.dcsf.gov.uk/schoolorg.