An informal consultation into whether to change the schooling system in Frome to a two-tier structure is due to run next month.
The consultation by Somerset Council will seek views on whether to change 18 Frome schools from a three-tier structure into a two-tier system.
A two-tier system would mean pupils would join a primary school aged four before moving to secondary school in Year 7. The majority of schools in Frome currently operate a three-tier system, with pupils attending first schools (Reception to Year 4), middle schools (Years 5 to 8) and an upper school (Years 9 to 13).
Conversations about the possibility of moving to a two-tier system first began as far back as 2023 and have been ongoing ever since.
The informal consultation will begin after the February half-term break and will ask whether the community would support a move to a two-tier education system.
If the consultation indicates there is an appetite for such a change, a formal consultation will take place in the summer.
A spokesperson for Somerset Council said, “Any change will only happen if approved by the Department of Education and only if they are clearly in the best interests of the children and the wider Frome community.
“Ensuring the wellbeing, success and long-term opportunities of children will be at the heart of any decision-making. We look forward to working together with all concerned, as this process moves ahead.”
The area has 18 state-maintained schools: 11 first schools (Beckington, Berkley, Christ Church, Hayesdown, Mells, Norton St. Philip, Nunney, Rode, St. John’s, Trinity and Vallis), two middle schools (Oakfield Academy and Selwood Academy), two primary schools (Leigh-on-Mendip and St Louis), one upper school (Frome Community College), one combined primary and middle school (Avanti Park School) and one all-through special school (Critchill).
Avanti Park School in Frome, which is part of the Avanti Schools Trust, recently issued an apology to parents after sending a letter stating a formal consultation months ahead of the council’s own process.
A spokesperson from Avanti Schools Trust said, “The Trust consulted on the proposed changes for Avanti Park, providing an opportunity for feedback, which Trustees will consider. We remain in discussion with Somerset Council regarding other proposed changes across the wider sector.”
Pictured: Avanti Park School walking bus in 2024
