Parents group defends Monkseaton High School as future remains uncertain
by Austen Shakespeare · ChronicleLiveParents and carers of Monkseaton High School pupils are continuing their opposition to the school’s potential closure, citing concerns over children with special educational needs and defending previous pupil enrolment.
The Monkseaton High Parents Action Group, a local pressure group formed following North Tyneside Council’s decision to open a consultation on the school's future, has highlighted a range of concerns regarding the possible closure could have on children with special educational needs (SEN).
Many locals have been up in arms since September, when North Tyneside Council launched a public consultation on the school’s future, citing a predicted deficit of £7m by 2026, parental choice, and low birth rates as major concerns.
The parents' group says the school has seen an increase in enrolment despite a reduction in teachers and curriculum options, achieving its published admission number for the second consecutive year. Governors reduced the school’s admission numbers from 240 to 150 between 2022 and 2023.
Chris O’Neill, one of the founding members of the Monkseaton High Parents Action Group added: “North Tyneside Council allows parents to express a preference, rather than directly select which high school to attend, and historically, there has been enough capacity across both local three-tier high schools to accommodate all Year 8 students from middle schools.
"The differing admissions policies between the two high schools, coupled with Monkseaton High School’s reduced published admission number, make it challenging for the school to compete effectively.”
North Tyneside Council maintains the school's occupancy rate, which sits at around 50% out of a capacity of 964, continues to be a major factor affecting the school’s long-term future.
14.3% of Monkseaton High pupils have special education needs, according to Government figures, in comparison to 7.8% at Whitley Bay High School and 19.8% at Norham High. 21% of pupils at Longbenton High School also require special education assistance.
Jenny Matthews, SEN spokesperson for the Monkseaton High Parents Action Group, said: “Any transition poses significant challenges for pupils with SEN and receiving this news at the very beginning of high school is significantly adding to their anxiety. Without a clear pathway for progression to GCSEs and a high level of support, these pupils are being further disadvantaged at a critical time in their education.”
Julie Firth, director of children’s services at North Tyneside Council, said: “This is a consultation on the future of the school and no decisions have been made at this stage.
“We know that there are enough spaces in secondary schools in the borough now. Parental choice is important and while the consultation to find viable options remains open, we’re working with school leaders across the borough to identify where additional spaces could be made available if required.
“This includes ensuring that curriculum matches and that an enhanced transition would in place between schools. If the consultation moves to the next stage, we will share more details on these proposals. This would be in advance of an extraordinary admissions process which would take place in January 2025.”
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