What could be better? What would you like a new improved education to look like?
"For those that hold the purse strings to realise that investment in education is not wasted. Many of the children in this area will leave education to well paid jobs, and some will be 40% tax payers. Their future is a good investment. In practical terms, decent buildings for QEHS. Breadth and depth of opportunities at high school level (and beyond) so that both the academically able and the more practically minded are encouraged to find a niche that’s right for them. The world needs thinkers and doers! "
"Investment in school buildings, investment in teachers (that is a national issue I suppose). I'm sorry but I don't have any earth-shattering proposals. I would just like all families to have access to good schools where children are happy and reach their full potential."
"Teachers teaching and making sure teachers are spending one to one time with students especially those in foundation subjects "
"Smaller class sizes in some of the larger schools. More teaching staff/ classroom assistants. Funding into improving buildings especially qehs."
"I accept that better buildings would be a massive bonus, but let’s not forget that it is the teaching that is important."
"Some of the schools within the group require investment to renovate buildings, improve resources and facilities and reward staff with pay increases which have been stalled for some time."
"Teachers teaching and making sure teachers are spending one to one time with students especially those in foundation subjects "
"Smaller class sizes in some of the larger schools. More teaching staff/ classroom assistants. Funding into improving buildings especially qehs."
"I accept that better buildings would be a massive bonus, but let’s not forget that it is the teaching that is important."
"Some of the schools within the group require investment to renovate buildings, improve resources and facilities and reward staff with pay increases which have been stalled for some time."
"If middle school was better"
"funds to make Hexham High school building sound enough to continue to provide education for the next generation in their high school years"
"We are all for QE striving to improve conditions/standards for all pupils but not at the expense of closing some of their feeder schools. Why not amalgamate QE and HMS onto one site? This makes sense. They share a Head teacher who is responsible for the budget and standards in both schools. The other Middle schools should be sharing resources and best practices if they are not doing so already, perhaps even teachers!"
"funds to make Hexham High school building sound enough to continue to provide education for the next generation in their high school years"
"We are all for QE striving to improve conditions/standards for all pupils but not at the expense of closing some of their feeder schools. Why not amalgamate QE and HMS onto one site? This makes sense. They share a Head teacher who is responsible for the budget and standards in both schools. The other Middle schools should be sharing resources and best practices if they are not doing so already, perhaps even teachers!"
"That QE takes a lead from middle schools. At parent’s evenings I wonder if many of the teachers even know who they’re talking about. First and Middle schools knew my kids which resulted in happier, better educated and resilient children. Also lose the whole ‘executive ‘ part of school leadership- unnecessary and costly."
"The high schools. They need investment in bricks and mortar. The teachers are excellent, the system works but the buildings are crumbling around them."
"I would like to see a much wider offer for students at pre and post 16."
"For Beaufront School nothing - If it's not broken don't fix it."
"That our rural schools to be saved (or helped to stay open!) where needed and the schools that are in financial deficit (namely the high schools!!) to have money to provide older students with new school builds and better facilities."
"The high schools. They need investment in bricks and mortar. The teachers are excellent, the system works but the buildings are crumbling around them."
"I would like to see a much wider offer for students at pre and post 16."
"For Beaufront School nothing - If it's not broken don't fix it."
"That our rural schools to be saved (or helped to stay open!) where needed and the schools that are in financial deficit (namely the high schools!!) to have money to provide older students with new school builds and better facilities."
"I would like the new offer not to be based solely on money."
"Facilities and buildings. Wider choices should be offered to enable all of our learners access to education in the partnership when moving to the High School."
"Children treated as individuals not numbers, tailored education to their needs, nurturing environment with small steps to independence as they mature, great teachers recognised and rewarded"
"Existing first schools to remain "
"I'm happy with the current set up but would like a greater teacher pupil ratio."
"As similar as possible to is what is offered currently, a local, good standard, three tier system which the church and community are closely involved with."
"I would definitely be in full support of remaining with the 3 tier system. However it is understandable that changes need to be made with regards to HBHS and a great deal of investment made to improve the building and facilities of QEHS. I propose that funding is invested either in improving the current QEHS building and facilities or building a new school. This accommodating a merge with QEHS and HBHS for pupils 13-18 years. The first and middle schools remains as they are. Once the new improved High School is up and running (attracting new families to the area) this should in turn help all the schools in the area. If a new school were to be built could the old building be sold to raise funds to spread between the schools to improve their facilities individually?"
"Upgrade QEHS buildings, cleaner schools."
"Upgrading of school buildings"
"Joined up thinking and planning across a range of associated requirements, which may drive efficiency and cost-effective delivery across the region. All schools should have their own identity and culture, but with a common theme across the region, that puts children first, and NOT budget management. I appreciate the Western region needs to invest in facilities, and assistance should be sought from central government to work with NCC and other stakeholders to achieve this, but this need not necessarily impact a three tier system which is delivering real results in academic achievement. "
"Equal accessibility to good education in rural communities"
"I wish class sizes were slightly smaller or teachers had less paperwork and assessment of children so they can just teach. "
"Improved facilities at high school"
"A system that isn't driven purely by league tables and results. Currently pupils are forced down one route as soon as they reach High School. We need to acknowledge that children develop at very different stages and should therefore be allowed to keep their options open and pursue subjects that motivate them.
The current average point system at QEHS, in determining pupils' A level choices at High School IS UNACCEPTABLE. We had to battle for our child to be allowed to pursue his A level preferences, being told that he was destined to fail as proven by statistics! He actually achieved well beyond their expectations!
The Head Teacher needs to have a higher profile at each individual school. The school ethos is lost with a Head Teacher managing more than one establishment.
Pupils who are border line are not currently given the benefit of the doubt with subject choices. They are not currently encouraged to follow their dreams and, consequently can become very demotivated."
"Investment in school buildings and infrastructure, ending failed outsourcing initiatives and putting education not cost cutting first."
"To upgrade the buildings of QE which is needed, but not at the expense of closing our middle Schools."
"I would like to see a choice at high school level with a high quality alternative for those children who want to pursue a more vocational route through education."
"I think the high school needs vast capital investment into the actual buildings"
"More funding for schools so that all children have access to the support they need."
"One that keeps the children at the forefront and continues to give them all the opportunities for them to develop their education as individuals ."
"Facilities and buildings. Wider choices should be offered to enable all of our learners access to education in the partnership when moving to the High School."
"Children treated as individuals not numbers, tailored education to their needs, nurturing environment with small steps to independence as they mature, great teachers recognised and rewarded"
"Existing first schools to remain "
"I'm happy with the current set up but would like a greater teacher pupil ratio."
"As similar as possible to is what is offered currently, a local, good standard, three tier system which the church and community are closely involved with."
"I would definitely be in full support of remaining with the 3 tier system. However it is understandable that changes need to be made with regards to HBHS and a great deal of investment made to improve the building and facilities of QEHS. I propose that funding is invested either in improving the current QEHS building and facilities or building a new school. This accommodating a merge with QEHS and HBHS for pupils 13-18 years. The first and middle schools remains as they are. Once the new improved High School is up and running (attracting new families to the area) this should in turn help all the schools in the area. If a new school were to be built could the old building be sold to raise funds to spread between the schools to improve their facilities individually?"
"Upgrade QEHS buildings, cleaner schools."
"Upgrading of school buildings"
"Joined up thinking and planning across a range of associated requirements, which may drive efficiency and cost-effective delivery across the region. All schools should have their own identity and culture, but with a common theme across the region, that puts children first, and NOT budget management. I appreciate the Western region needs to invest in facilities, and assistance should be sought from central government to work with NCC and other stakeholders to achieve this, but this need not necessarily impact a three tier system which is delivering real results in academic achievement. "
"Equal accessibility to good education in rural communities"
"I wish class sizes were slightly smaller or teachers had less paperwork and assessment of children so they can just teach. "
"Improved facilities at high school"
"A system that isn't driven purely by league tables and results. Currently pupils are forced down one route as soon as they reach High School. We need to acknowledge that children develop at very different stages and should therefore be allowed to keep their options open and pursue subjects that motivate them.
The current average point system at QEHS, in determining pupils' A level choices at High School IS UNACCEPTABLE. We had to battle for our child to be allowed to pursue his A level preferences, being told that he was destined to fail as proven by statistics! He actually achieved well beyond their expectations!
The Head Teacher needs to have a higher profile at each individual school. The school ethos is lost with a Head Teacher managing more than one establishment.
Pupils who are border line are not currently given the benefit of the doubt with subject choices. They are not currently encouraged to follow their dreams and, consequently can become very demotivated."
"Investment in school buildings and infrastructure, ending failed outsourcing initiatives and putting education not cost cutting first."
"To upgrade the buildings of QE which is needed, but not at the expense of closing our middle Schools."
"I would like to see a choice at high school level with a high quality alternative for those children who want to pursue a more vocational route through education."
"I think the high school needs vast capital investment into the actual buildings"
"More funding for schools so that all children have access to the support they need."
"One that keeps the children at the forefront and continues to give them all the opportunities for them to develop their education as individuals ."
"Upgrade of buildings at High School"
"I do acknowledge the buildings (especially QEHS) need renovating and more money is required. The education itself is great - the buildings (of many schools, not just QEHS) need improvement but changing the education system to get better buildings is not the answer. I would like to see more money being used to improve the buildings but leaving the education system as it is. It is not broken - the first and middle schools are a huge asset."
"Nothing, no change is needed"
"I would like to do a school play every year."
"I think that the school buildings need investment, especially at QEHS. However, this must not be at the expense of all the other wonderful schools in the area."
"Small schools available across the county"
"I do acknowledge the buildings (especially QEHS) need renovating and more money is required. The education itself is great - the buildings (of many schools, not just QEHS) need improvement but changing the education system to get better buildings is not the answer. I would like to see more money being used to improve the buildings but leaving the education system as it is. It is not broken - the first and middle schools are a huge asset."
"Nothing, no change is needed"
"I would like to do a school play every year."
"I think that the school buildings need investment, especially at QEHS. However, this must not be at the expense of all the other wonderful schools in the area."
"Small schools available across the county"
"More sports facilities 3G pitch for all weather conditions "
"More investment needed in buildings- apart from, obviously the need for more money in the system overall."
"two tier system with increased/better funding and new facilities"
"Better funding for equipment and buildings."
"I would like there to be more opportunity for all children post GCSE. All students who are capable being able to do A levels at their own school as well as options to take less academic courses. The physical buildings of the high school need to be improved but apart from that I’m pretty happy with the way it is."
"Upgrade of buildings at High School"
"To keep things the way they are"
"More investment needed in buildings- apart from, obviously the need for more money in the system overall."
"two tier system with increased/better funding and new facilities"
"Better funding for equipment and buildings."
"I would like there to be more opportunity for all children post GCSE. All students who are capable being able to do A levels at their own school as well as options to take less academic courses. The physical buildings of the high school need to be improved but apart from that I’m pretty happy with the way it is."
"Upgrade of buildings at High School"
"To keep things the way they are"
"More money from the DofE for both QE and HB High School buildings"
"More subject options for GCSE, more security for staff and pupils, repairs to the beautiful existing buildings such as Hexham Middle School's Fellside Hall, rather than selling it off. Fewer executive members of staff eating into school funds, a more welcoming environment at school so parents feel more inclined to volunteer. Schools to make more use of the buildings to give income streams as community venues (all weather football pitch at QEHS could be rented out to local clubs)"
"Increased funding of infrastructure"
"More funds to keep the sites where they are but build new Hexham high school behind the old one like Prudhoe have achieved
To help children instead of it all been about numbers in system and to learn them about things they are going to use in Every day life"
"There are quite a few schools that need money for building improvements, school budgets are very tight
I wouldn't change anything other than to upgrade our current high school"
"More central government understanding of the needs and priorities of sparcely populated counties like Northumberland. An improved education would be one that has the needs of children, parents and community at it's heart, not money and cost saving."
"There are quite a few schools that need money for building improvements, school budgets are very tight"
"To carry on as it is"
"Buildings need investment"
"More funding for maintenance of buildings "
"Investment in building infrastructure for the existing schools"
"I don’t think there is sufficient choice available in this area for post-16 education. A High School that could offer more than just a limited number of A-level courses would be good."
"Hexham High School needs investment in its infrastructure"
"Better facilities and investment in to buildings and resources at all levels
Overall in Tynedale I think the Haydon Bridge parents have experienced a raw deal. I think NCC has a responsibility to support the community there and the children."
"I would like the buildings at QeHs to be improved, that the number of subjects on offer increase and they offer all children the opportunity to take the a levels they wish rather than cherry picking the best."
"More subject options for GCSE, more security for staff and pupils, repairs to the beautiful existing buildings such as Hexham Middle School's Fellside Hall, rather than selling it off. Fewer executive members of staff eating into school funds, a more welcoming environment at school so parents feel more inclined to volunteer. Schools to make more use of the buildings to give income streams as community venues (all weather football pitch at QEHS could be rented out to local clubs)"
"Increased funding of infrastructure"
"More funds to keep the sites where they are but build new Hexham high school behind the old one like Prudhoe have achieved
To help children instead of it all been about numbers in system and to learn them about things they are going to use in Every day life"
"There are quite a few schools that need money for building improvements, school budgets are very tight
I wouldn't change anything other than to upgrade our current high school"
"More central government understanding of the needs and priorities of sparcely populated counties like Northumberland. An improved education would be one that has the needs of children, parents and community at it's heart, not money and cost saving."
"There are quite a few schools that need money for building improvements, school budgets are very tight"
"To carry on as it is"
"Buildings need investment"
"More funding for maintenance of buildings "
"Investment in building infrastructure for the existing schools"
"I don’t think there is sufficient choice available in this area for post-16 education. A High School that could offer more than just a limited number of A-level courses would be good."
"Hexham High School needs investment in its infrastructure"
"Better facilities and investment in to buildings and resources at all levels
Overall in Tynedale I think the Haydon Bridge parents have experienced a raw deal. I think NCC has a responsibility to support the community there and the children."
"I would like the buildings at QeHs to be improved, that the number of subjects on offer increase and they offer all children the opportunity to take the a levels they wish rather than cherry picking the best."
"Better communication within and between schools. Improved buildings and facilities."
"Money needs to be invested into the buildings at all levels. Changing the age ranges would have no impact on those buildings."
"I would like to see the High School work closely with the current system - they put themselves out on a limb and do not integrate in the same way the middle and first schools do."
"That QE stop being so selfish - this has been driven by them wanting what they want. This is NOT about the education of the children and it should be. Our system isn't broken - it works. I have 2 children in the system as well as 4 nieces/nephews and countless numbers of children of friends. Give QE the investment it needs. It used to be an amazing school in the 80s/90s - when it was run by passionate Heads like Mr Eavis and Webster. Not run like a business as it is now. Take back your 'Executive Head' - the children don't know him and he doesn't know them. He cannot make strategic decisions on behalf of parents or children he does not know and a community in which he has lived for only a couple of years!"
"Investment in buildings. For NCC to look at the bigger picture and see how their decisions will impact the children for many, many years to come. To not be so short-sighted as to think that two-tier will solve their problems. Lack of investment in many schools lies at the root of theses issues. Do not let our first and middle schools be held responsible for NCC failings. Northumberland is not like any other community - you cannot apply a 'one size fits all approach!'"
"Hand on heart, nothing could be better than what we have at the moment."
"Money needs to be invested into the buildings at all levels. Changing the age ranges would have no impact on those buildings."
"I would like to see the High School work closely with the current system - they put themselves out on a limb and do not integrate in the same way the middle and first schools do."
"That QE stop being so selfish - this has been driven by them wanting what they want. This is NOT about the education of the children and it should be. Our system isn't broken - it works. I have 2 children in the system as well as 4 nieces/nephews and countless numbers of children of friends. Give QE the investment it needs. It used to be an amazing school in the 80s/90s - when it was run by passionate Heads like Mr Eavis and Webster. Not run like a business as it is now. Take back your 'Executive Head' - the children don't know him and he doesn't know them. He cannot make strategic decisions on behalf of parents or children he does not know and a community in which he has lived for only a couple of years!"
"Investment in buildings. For NCC to look at the bigger picture and see how their decisions will impact the children for many, many years to come. To not be so short-sighted as to think that two-tier will solve their problems. Lack of investment in many schools lies at the root of theses issues. Do not let our first and middle schools be held responsible for NCC failings. Northumberland is not like any other community - you cannot apply a 'one size fits all approach!'"
"Hand on heart, nothing could be better than what we have at the moment."
"Hadrian Learning Trust don’t seem to be a fan of middle schools yet they have one. Why not defederate , build a fantastic 13-18 school with an amazing 6th form centre for HLT and let someone as passionate as Mrs Kennedy or Mrs Conley run Hexham Middle School?"
"An new education in the West would be successful in creating new buildings and highly skilled and qualified staff. Schools should be looking at post 16 options for apprenticeships and areas for those children who may not wish to take the academic route. Building huge building to accommodate over 2000 children would be daunting for some and longer journey times for very young tiresome and frightening. Look at what we have, work with the community, parents and county officials to bring about a change in Northumberland that would be to the benefit of the next generation of pupils in rural communities instead of looking at numbers and figures. Support schools to put into place budget measures and fundraising efforts to keep schools going and bring families to the area not push people away."
"Keep the system but need better facilities especially at the QEHS. All middle schools are run together- academy?"
"An new education in the West would be successful in creating new buildings and highly skilled and qualified staff. Schools should be looking at post 16 options for apprenticeships and areas for those children who may not wish to take the academic route. Building huge building to accommodate over 2000 children would be daunting for some and longer journey times for very young tiresome and frightening. Look at what we have, work with the community, parents and county officials to bring about a change in Northumberland that would be to the benefit of the next generation of pupils in rural communities instead of looking at numbers and figures. Support schools to put into place budget measures and fundraising efforts to keep schools going and bring families to the area not push people away."
"Keep the system but need better facilities especially at the QEHS. All middle schools are run together- academy?"
"To stay as three tier. Investment in the buildings, headteacher at HMS, provision for the less academic at QEHS"
"More options at GCSE and post-16"
"I would like it to stay as it is - three cheers for three tiers. Build a new High school at Hexham, just like they did at Prudhoe , without any fuss!!"
"We need to be even more inclusive, by providing facilities, resources and appropriate support for many more children within mainstream education, from nursery to sixth form.
More opportunities for music, sport, art..... due to the rural nature of Northumberland many children do not get the extra curricular opportunities they should. For example children have to travel to the Morpeth area to play in county orchestras, an expensive and time consuming journey. Our more rural schools cannot get peripatetic music teachers to attend and certainly the more unusual instruments are not taught in the West. Same applies to sport. "
"There seems to be a growing number of children with additional needs and a wide range of issues for school staff to deal with, ranging from mental health , physical difficulties and learning issues such as autism. Support for these children needs to be far more localised. Every child matters and the services they require should be far more accessible and not dependent on budget."
"Everything is excellent. You just need to look at some of the middle school numbers of students attending our middle schools."
"We would like the 13-18 age range to stay at QEHS but there is a desperate need for better facilities, the building is decrepit and in dire need of repair. Our children have had excellent provision at Corbridge Middle and they deserve this to continue at high school."
"Smaller class sizes.
Outside learning.
More visitors to schools to share their experiences.
Higher funding per student - and therefore help for SEN pupils.
More options at QEHS at GCSE (e.g., food tech) and A level (English Language)"
"Money invested into what we have already to make it a better education system. More provision for 16+."
"I hope that the views of the parents, teachers and wider community be seriously considered in this improved offer."
"More options at GCSE and post-16"
"I would like it to stay as it is - three cheers for three tiers. Build a new High school at Hexham, just like they did at Prudhoe , without any fuss!!"
"We need to be even more inclusive, by providing facilities, resources and appropriate support for many more children within mainstream education, from nursery to sixth form.
More opportunities for music, sport, art..... due to the rural nature of Northumberland many children do not get the extra curricular opportunities they should. For example children have to travel to the Morpeth area to play in county orchestras, an expensive and time consuming journey. Our more rural schools cannot get peripatetic music teachers to attend and certainly the more unusual instruments are not taught in the West. Same applies to sport. "
"There seems to be a growing number of children with additional needs and a wide range of issues for school staff to deal with, ranging from mental health , physical difficulties and learning issues such as autism. Support for these children needs to be far more localised. Every child matters and the services they require should be far more accessible and not dependent on budget."
"Everything is excellent. You just need to look at some of the middle school numbers of students attending our middle schools."
"We would like the 13-18 age range to stay at QEHS but there is a desperate need for better facilities, the building is decrepit and in dire need of repair. Our children have had excellent provision at Corbridge Middle and they deserve this to continue at high school."
"Smaller class sizes.
Outside learning.
More visitors to schools to share their experiences.
Higher funding per student - and therefore help for SEN pupils.
More options at QEHS at GCSE (e.g., food tech) and A level (English Language)"
"Money invested into what we have already to make it a better education system. More provision for 16+."
"I hope that the views of the parents, teachers and wider community be seriously considered in this improved offer."
"I'd like it to remain 3 tier but for HMS and QEHS to move to better, or invest in their current, buildings."
"Investment in facilities and equipment long overdue. I'd like to see proper a set up that allows for proper investment in education."
"We need to improve the physical structure of schools, without compromising quality of education. I would like to see the three tier system continued, for there to be School counsellors spending time in all schools and supporting vulnerable students and their families. I believe this would improve overall results as it would let teachers focus on what they do best!!"
"I would like to see a high school that maintains a larger percentage of its students post-16!"
"More outdoors/about experiences"
"Small transition steps (three tier works love HMS Orchard block )"
"Investment in current middle and high school buildings"
"Facilities in many cases are not ideal. I'd love to see an investment in the environments, where needed, to create the right spaces for teachers and children to get the very most out of the educational opportunities. I'd like to see children given more opportunities to get out of the classroom and explore the world around them. I'd like to see everyone given the right opportunities to find a path through education that suits them - not everyone is academically minded and we need to ensure everyone has the chance to discover their own potential. I'd like to see less of an administrative burden placed on teachers and governors so that a real focus can go on the quality of educational experience."
"Nothing except staying exactly as it is e.g. 3 tier."
"Better physical premises"
"More options available to pupils at 16"
"Keeping the three tier system"
"Sports facilities are very poor and need looking at. 30 year old sports halls no 3g in area."
"A more inclusive education system, especially for children aged 16 plus that meets their needs. It is not all about university."
"Improved buildings/facilities"
"Provide more facilities and opportunities on an extra curricular bases. Sports, media etc."
"I would not change it except invest the money into building an improved High School that benefits all children in the area and not just the Academy"
"Investment in facilities and equipment long overdue. I'd like to see proper a set up that allows for proper investment in education."
"We need to improve the physical structure of schools, without compromising quality of education. I would like to see the three tier system continued, for there to be School counsellors spending time in all schools and supporting vulnerable students and their families. I believe this would improve overall results as it would let teachers focus on what they do best!!"
"I would like to see a high school that maintains a larger percentage of its students post-16!"
"More outdoors/about experiences"
"Small transition steps (three tier works love HMS Orchard block )"
"Investment in current middle and high school buildings"
"Facilities in many cases are not ideal. I'd love to see an investment in the environments, where needed, to create the right spaces for teachers and children to get the very most out of the educational opportunities. I'd like to see children given more opportunities to get out of the classroom and explore the world around them. I'd like to see everyone given the right opportunities to find a path through education that suits them - not everyone is academically minded and we need to ensure everyone has the chance to discover their own potential. I'd like to see less of an administrative burden placed on teachers and governors so that a real focus can go on the quality of educational experience."
"Nothing except staying exactly as it is e.g. 3 tier."
"Better physical premises"
"More options available to pupils at 16"
"Keeping the three tier system"
"Sports facilities are very poor and need looking at. 30 year old sports halls no 3g in area."
"A more inclusive education system, especially for children aged 16 plus that meets their needs. It is not all about university."
"Improved buildings/facilities"
"Provide more facilities and opportunities on an extra curricular bases. Sports, media etc."
"I would not change it except invest the money into building an improved High School that benefits all children in the area and not just the Academy"
""In my view many of the concerns about the disruptions around transitions in the three-tier system could be addressed by closer liaison between schools during the handover periods. The recent 'taster days' for our year 8 son at QEHS have been helpful but even so the abruptness with which subject choices have had to be made has left him feeling that he is not able to access all the advice and information he needs to make highly consequential decisions.
And the whole thing could do with being better resourced. But a caring community and outstanding teaching matter much, much more than snazzy buildings."
"No school closures."
"More choice at a secondary level is what I hear from parents with children in this age group. Apparently the number of subjects on offer at GCSE and A-level is quite limited at QE and there are not enough vocational subjects. Possibly an opportunity for Haydon Bridge? And as always, give the teachers the funding and resources they need to allow our schools to thrive. Keep them at the centre of our communities so that the students and their families feel ownership and want to contribute to their continued success. Protect them against short-termist and politically-driven policies and agendas"
"Consideration for those children who are going to be going through the system while all the changes are made. It is likely that my daughter's high school years will consist mainly of temporary accommodation, moving into a new building for her upper sixth year. Could be fantastic once completed but the children going through it only have once chance at this stage of their education - please don't mess it up."
"More money spent on the building (holes in roof fixed etc.) "
"I want it to remain the way it is. Corbridge Middle is a fantastic school who get great results"
"Better facilities, especially for the high school. More opportunities and better conditions for the school."
And the whole thing could do with being better resourced. But a caring community and outstanding teaching matter much, much more than snazzy buildings."
"No school closures."
"More choice at a secondary level is what I hear from parents with children in this age group. Apparently the number of subjects on offer at GCSE and A-level is quite limited at QE and there are not enough vocational subjects. Possibly an opportunity for Haydon Bridge? And as always, give the teachers the funding and resources they need to allow our schools to thrive. Keep them at the centre of our communities so that the students and their families feel ownership and want to contribute to their continued success. Protect them against short-termist and politically-driven policies and agendas"
"Consideration for those children who are going to be going through the system while all the changes are made. It is likely that my daughter's high school years will consist mainly of temporary accommodation, moving into a new building for her upper sixth year. Could be fantastic once completed but the children going through it only have once chance at this stage of their education - please don't mess it up."
"More money spent on the building (holes in roof fixed etc.) "
"I want it to remain the way it is. Corbridge Middle is a fantastic school who get great results"
"Better facilities, especially for the high school. More opportunities and better conditions for the school."
"I don’t want to change anything!"
"Less pressure to make subject choices for HS / GCSEs so quickly. First class facilities for all of our children regardless of the "system" they are in."
"The best use of resources would be to build on what we already have in the three tier system, supporting our small rural First and Middle schools. Economies of scale can be achieved by schools working together in partnership or as Federations. Resources and expertise can be shared, to the benefit of all of the children and their communities.
I accept that the High School needs to be a building priority too but in my view the local authority’s attempt to justify closures of other schools by pointing to the need to finance such re-building is completely disingenuous.
Closing good schools which are financially sound is a terrible idea: morally, economically and politically."
"I don’t think if will be better how can the proposed massive shake up of our education system be an improvement, it will affect our children’s future going forward."
"Smaller classes, more staff, more arts subjects"
"QE High school needs a new building"
"We would very strongly prefer a three tier system. With child mental health and well-being being so high up on the national agenda, it is foolhardy to throw away the three tier system. It is a much stronger way in which to scaffold the children because the teachers know them so well. They would never get the same level of attention and superb teaching in the two tier system."
"Current SEND provision without the Lea is hardly substantial for schools at present. Early intervention is lacking. A secure future for my child's education! Where the individual is at the centre of the schools ethos, not money!"
"I would like these proposals fully dropped. I believe non of the three systems offer a practical approach and will not save the council money in the long term. Please leave our schools alone. This is the only cause for concern our children currently have, the uncertainty is starting to worry them and is totally unnecessary."
"Less pressure to make subject choices for HS / GCSEs so quickly. First class facilities for all of our children regardless of the "system" they are in."
"The best use of resources would be to build on what we already have in the three tier system, supporting our small rural First and Middle schools. Economies of scale can be achieved by schools working together in partnership or as Federations. Resources and expertise can be shared, to the benefit of all of the children and their communities.
I accept that the High School needs to be a building priority too but in my view the local authority’s attempt to justify closures of other schools by pointing to the need to finance such re-building is completely disingenuous.
Closing good schools which are financially sound is a terrible idea: morally, economically and politically."
"I don’t think if will be better how can the proposed massive shake up of our education system be an improvement, it will affect our children’s future going forward."
"Smaller classes, more staff, more arts subjects"
"QE High school needs a new building"
"We would very strongly prefer a three tier system. With child mental health and well-being being so high up on the national agenda, it is foolhardy to throw away the three tier system. It is a much stronger way in which to scaffold the children because the teachers know them so well. They would never get the same level of attention and superb teaching in the two tier system."
"Current SEND provision without the Lea is hardly substantial for schools at present. Early intervention is lacking. A secure future for my child's education! Where the individual is at the centre of the schools ethos, not money!"
"I would like these proposals fully dropped. I believe non of the three systems offer a practical approach and will not save the council money in the long term. Please leave our schools alone. This is the only cause for concern our children currently have, the uncertainty is starting to worry them and is totally unnecessary."
"Use a percentage of the available funds to further promote the use of technology to enable true Martini-learning: any time; any place; anywhere."
"Separate bus services for middle and high school children"
"Honesty from councillors. How can they justify closing smaller rural schools that are financially secure and are running with good numbers and excellent teachers."
"There is vast room for improvement in the physical facilities, access to broader scope of sports ( gymnastics, lacrosse, ) and extra curricular activities-cookery, Chess, martial arts! I believe QEHS needs to provide post-16 education for all..not just the highest achievers within the community!"
"Smaller classes and more opportunities for parents to attend events such as special assemblies. Provision for children to remain at school after hours where one child attends a school run activity that the other does not."
"Someone just give QEHS the money they need to improve their estate - that’s what this is actually about. The system as is works fine (HBHS utilisation aside) and QEHS attempt to leverage cash through threats to the entire system is disgusting and unnecessary."
"It works. It’s successful. Why change it?"
"More options for pupils at 16 - why not work in cooperation with local businesses so pupils have a choice when they’ve completed GCSEs?"
"de-centralise the system so that schools more freedom, and at the same time are more accountable.reduce the emphasis/importance given to result driven testing to give the children more independence as they learn. stop educational testing being such a tick-box excersise!"
"Time spent on developing life skills and practical abilities rather than just moving from one type of academic testing to the next."
"I want the vast majority of 16 yr olds to be able to continue to go to their local school until they are 18."
"If it ain't broke don't fix it. There are few things wrong with the current system. Perhaps wrap around care or, better transport. The children are happy and confident."
"Focus on children, their education and development rather than budgets and politics."
"All our schools have modern up to date facilities. We are like poor cousins to city schools."
"Better facilities for our young people - sports, music, media...."
"Worry that local high school is not inclusive at 6th form"
"A separate sports hall to improve even further the sports facilities. It could also improve local community links."
"Would prefer that the children didn’t have to spend a year or two in portakbins while QEH is rebuilt."
"I want education to be as broad as possible for absolutely as long as possible. Choosing what subjects never to learn again aged 12? Not for me!"
"I would like my son to have more options locally for Year 12 and 13. I don’t think QE offer enough at this age."
"Sometimes feel don’t get enough notice to of events happening at school if written notes aren’t produced in a timely manner! I CAN’T see this would be better if the school size increases as would happen if QEHS grew to 2250 pupils!"
"A system which caters for all - not just the academic. For example, there’s a need to extend opportunities for our young people at 16. What happens to my son if he does not achieve the expected average grade scores at 16? Does he the have to travel 25 miles to further his education??"
"Schools working together with continuity between transition years where teachers have teaching timetabled to spend time working with feeder schools."
"To consider ALL the schools in our area not just the high school. This is about more than a new build (although that is needed but not to the detriment of a fantastic education for ALL ages)"
"I want all teaching to take place in the school day at high school/secondary school. No drop ins which rely on there being public transport or the taxi drink parent."
"Children with special educational needs (not high needs) are able to stay in a local school to 18. They don’t have to leave at 16 if they can’t manage 8 good passes at gcse"
"Catchment boundaries need to better reflect geography and population; a simpler, more human, involvement required."
"Share the 52 million around to improve infrastructure"
"Separate bus services for middle and high school children"
"Honesty from councillors. How can they justify closing smaller rural schools that are financially secure and are running with good numbers and excellent teachers."
"There is vast room for improvement in the physical facilities, access to broader scope of sports ( gymnastics, lacrosse, ) and extra curricular activities-cookery, Chess, martial arts! I believe QEHS needs to provide post-16 education for all..not just the highest achievers within the community!"
"Smaller classes and more opportunities for parents to attend events such as special assemblies. Provision for children to remain at school after hours where one child attends a school run activity that the other does not."
"Someone just give QEHS the money they need to improve their estate - that’s what this is actually about. The system as is works fine (HBHS utilisation aside) and QEHS attempt to leverage cash through threats to the entire system is disgusting and unnecessary."
"It works. It’s successful. Why change it?"
"More options for pupils at 16 - why not work in cooperation with local businesses so pupils have a choice when they’ve completed GCSEs?"
"de-centralise the system so that schools more freedom, and at the same time are more accountable.reduce the emphasis/importance given to result driven testing to give the children more independence as they learn. stop educational testing being such a tick-box excersise!"
"Time spent on developing life skills and practical abilities rather than just moving from one type of academic testing to the next."
"I want the vast majority of 16 yr olds to be able to continue to go to their local school until they are 18."
"If it ain't broke don't fix it. There are few things wrong with the current system. Perhaps wrap around care or, better transport. The children are happy and confident."
"Focus on children, their education and development rather than budgets and politics."
"All our schools have modern up to date facilities. We are like poor cousins to city schools."
"Better facilities for our young people - sports, music, media...."
"Worry that local high school is not inclusive at 6th form"
"A separate sports hall to improve even further the sports facilities. It could also improve local community links."
"Would prefer that the children didn’t have to spend a year or two in portakbins while QEH is rebuilt."
"I want education to be as broad as possible for absolutely as long as possible. Choosing what subjects never to learn again aged 12? Not for me!"
"I would like my son to have more options locally for Year 12 and 13. I don’t think QE offer enough at this age."
"Sometimes feel don’t get enough notice to of events happening at school if written notes aren’t produced in a timely manner! I CAN’T see this would be better if the school size increases as would happen if QEHS grew to 2250 pupils!"
"A system which caters for all - not just the academic. For example, there’s a need to extend opportunities for our young people at 16. What happens to my son if he does not achieve the expected average grade scores at 16? Does he the have to travel 25 miles to further his education??"
"Schools working together with continuity between transition years where teachers have teaching timetabled to spend time working with feeder schools."
"To consider ALL the schools in our area not just the high school. This is about more than a new build (although that is needed but not to the detriment of a fantastic education for ALL ages)"
"I want all teaching to take place in the school day at high school/secondary school. No drop ins which rely on there being public transport or the taxi drink parent."
"Children with special educational needs (not high needs) are able to stay in a local school to 18. They don’t have to leave at 16 if they can’t manage 8 good passes at gcse"
"Catchment boundaries need to better reflect geography and population; a simpler, more human, involvement required."
"Share the 52 million around to improve infrastructure"