PARENTS have reiterated their 'concerns' over plans to merge four Prudhoe-area schools into two, following a series of public meetings.
On October 15, a consultation process was launched outlining plans to combine four first schools: Mickley First School (MFS) with Broomley First School (BFS) onto the Broomley site and Prudhoe Castle First School (PCFS) with Ovingham CE First School (OFS) onto the Ovingham site.
The Cheviot Learning Trust (CLT), which oversees and manages six first schools across the area, says the proposed mergers will create more 'robust and sustainable' institutions. CLT has cited falling birth rates as a key factor. They report, on average, that pupil numbers are at '60 per cent of their capacity' across the schools.
The reorganisation is proposed to begin as early as September 2026, with plans to rename the schools to reflect the amalgamation.
Following the consultation announcement, a petition started by Prudhoe resident Steve Underwood, the parent of two students at Mickley First, has now surpassed 2,000 signatures.
On Friday (October 31), Hexham constituency MP Joe Morris met with representatives of Mickley First School’s Parent–Teacher–Friends Association (PTFA) for a 'very constructive' meeting on the key issues affecting the school, its community and sustainability.
In the meeting, they presented thoughts on securing long-term financial sustainability for the school, including cost-efficiency measures and revenue-generating initiatives, as well as the impact of the closures on children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
On Monday (November 3), parents and community figures from Prudhoe Castle First School staged a peaceful protest outside of Prudhoe's Co-op against the school merger plans.
Shona Perfect, one of the event organisers, said that the hour-long protest was helping to 'raise awareness' and 'create some noise'.
"We're all absolutely gutted. We don't want our children to go to schools that are doubling in size. Taking them out and putting them in a different environment with possibly three times as many kids is going to be detrimental," said Shona.
"We're passionate about our little schools. If we're going down, we're going down fighting."
Read more:
Two schools could close in 2026 under new merger plans
Concerns over transparency as opposition grows to schools merger plan
Cheviot Learning Trust have said that they 'welcome' the 'strong engagement' from families, staff and the wider community since the start of the school merger consultation. The Trust acknowledges the depth of feeling about the schools affected and the importance these schools hold in local communities
They say that they have been 'carefully' considering the views shared so far and 'remain committed' to finding a solution that safeguards the quality of education while addressing the challenges posed by reported declining pupil numbers.
"We understand that change can be difficult, especially when it involves schools with long histories in the community,” said a spokesperson for Cheviot Learning Trust.
"Our priority remains clear: to ensure every child in Prudhoe can continue to thrive in well-supported schools, and to work with staff and families to manage these changes thoughtfully and carefully."
In the final public consultation meeting, on Tuesday (November 4) evening, parents from the four first schools involved in the merger plans voiced their 'deep concerns' about the 'structure' and 'tone' of the session.
Community representatives report that the meeting was conducted in a closed, one-to-one conversation format. CLT say the format, which was shared in advance with parents, was designed to give people the opportunity to talk about their personal concerns and to discuss in more detail issues that are important to them.
Attendees reported significant concerns about clarity and confidence in the birth-rate and pupil forecast data presented.
Some parents also voiced fears that the merger decision may already be effectively 'made', despite the consultation still being live, and said that consultations must remain open and not give the appearance of predetermined outcomes.
Parents said that they welcomed 'constructive engagement' on SEND matters and noted that Trust representatives acknowledged concerns and committed to taking them back to the Trust Board. However, many parents remain concerned that the current proposal does not provide adequate provision or clarity for SEND pupils.
Parents have reiterated requests for:
- Full dataset and forecasting methodology
- Clear modelling of alternatives and rejected scenarios
- Confirmation that no decision has been made
- Demonstration of how feedback will shape the final outcome
Parents are seeking:
- Transparent data sharing
- Joint exploration of sustainable alternatives
- Assurance that community feedback meaningfully shapes outcomes
"We would like a fair, transparent and collaborative process; with genuine, viable solutions developed by the Cheviot Learning Trust with the community," said Hannah Abbott, Mickley First School PTFA.
"At present, we feel like we are just being presented with a single preferred option and no real dialogue."
Following the consultation meeting, the Cheviot Learning Trust stated, "We are grateful to the local community for sharing their views and ideas with the Trust, and it was helpful to get feedback from individuals and groups who found the opportunity to talk in smaller groups easier."
The Trust says it is continuing to consult in person, citing a meeting next Tuesday (November 11) with representatives of the Mickley PTA and is offering this opportunity to the four schools most directly affected. The Trust says it is consulting on this proposal for six weeks and welcomes views from all stakeholders.
A final decision is expected to be announced by the trust in January.
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