Consultation launched on proposed Felixstowe school merger
Parents, carers, and local residents are being asked what they think about the plans.
Last updated 21st Jun 2021
The Seckford Education Trust has launched a public consultation on proposals to merge two of their schools in Felixstowe.
The SET has announced it's considering turning SET Maidstone and SET Causton schools into one all-through primary school from September 2022.
Parents, carers and the local community are being asked what they think of the plans as part of a public consultation which is open until 15th August.
The Trust says it's also consulting on a proposed reduction in Pupil Admission Numbers for Reception Year from 75 to 45, to reflect a trend in falling pupil numbers in Felixstowe and the region.
It added that this decrease mirrors the falling birth rates in the area.
If the Trust decides to go ahead with the plans, the existing SET Maidstone Infant School, for children aged 3 to 7, would close, and all pupils would join SET Causton.
The Special Educational Needs Unit would also relocate to SET Causton.
Both schools are less than 350 meters from each other on Maidstone Road in Felixstowe and were originally built to accommodate much larger pupil numbers than they have now.
The schools are already managed together by Head of School Lucy Thompson.
Mrs Thompson said: "We encourage parents, carers and anyone interested in our schools to attend one of the virtual or in-person events being held throughout the consultation period of 21st June to 15th August 2021 where they have the opportunity to find out more and ask questions."
Mark Barrow, Chief Executive Officer at Seckford Education Trust, said: "We are looking forward to hearing people's feedback on whether or not to merge SET Maidstone and SET Causton schools. Should the merger go ahead following the public consultation, the investment in a single school site would bring the two communities closer together and would create one true primary school for pupils age 3 to 11.
"It could also bring a more seamless transition for pupils from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2, therefore removing the need for an admissions process at this stage."
People wishing to take part in the consultation can do so either by completing an online survey, handing a written comment into the reception desk at either school, or emailing enqiries@seckfordeducation.org.uk.