Unanimous Vote Decides on Two-Tier System for Bedford Borough Schools

The Executive Committee of Bedford Borough Council has decided unanimously that schools across the Borough will now move to a two-tier system. The decision follows extensive work alongside schools and a public consultation which revealed strong support for the change. The Borough Council will provide strategic leadership and support to ensure a coherent, coordinated transition in the interests of all local children.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "I am delighted that we have received overwhelming support for our decision from schools and residents to deliver this transformation to two-tier. This will see us invest more than £25 million in this structural change. This money will help to deliver the physical changes required to make the transition to a clear, successful two-tier schools structure."

The Council will also work with partners to supplement the funding where necessary to bring about this comprehensive change to the local schools system.

Cllr Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for Education at Bedford Borough Council, said: "The consultation demonstrated support for this decision and we will continue to work closely with schools and parents to keep everyone informed as the changes happen. I am confident that the change will deliver the best results for young people now, and in the future."

54 schools in Bedford Borough have expressed a wish to become either a Primary or Secondary school and have undertaken a formal consultation to change their age range accordingly. This accounts for all Bedford Borough schools, apart from those who are already a Primary or Secondary and those within the Wootton Cluster.

There are exciting times ahead for the school system in Bedford Borough. 92.9% of schools have been independently judged to be either Good or Outstanding (compared to 84% nationally) by Ofsted.

The Borough Council is well placed to deliver the physical changes which will be required to schools.

In June last year, Dr Peter Hansford, Government Chief Construction Adviser, visited schools in Bedford Borough and announced that Bedford was 'best in class' for its construction programme which has seen the removal of temporary classrooms and the construction of three new primary schools.

Bedford Borough Council has already invested heavily to ensure the creation of excellent classrooms and the creation of 3,000 new pupil places.