Parents: Your questions answered about the Schools for the Future programme
What is the Schools for the Future Programme?
Schools for the Future is an ambitious, long-term programme to raise education standards in Central Bedfordshire by ensuring the area has the right schools, of the right size in the right places, delivering the best education. Moving towards a two-tier educational system is part of achieving this.
Schools have been grouped together into geographical areas, which mirror Central Bedfordshire’s local planning areas, where there will be a greater local understanding of one another’s ambitions for growth, so that any changes are carried out in a coordinated way.
Why is two-tier education being favoured?
Over the last 30 years, the number of local authority areas operating a three-tier school system has dramatically reduced. In 1983 there were around 1,400 middle schools in England, and this has reduced to around 100 now. What this reduction in middle schools means, is that teacher training across the country is now geared almost entirely to the primary/secondary education system. By moving to this two-tier model of education, Central Bedfordshire schools will be better able to attract and retain the best teachers, giving your child the best chance of getting the most from their education.
Our primary aim is to improve educational outcomes for children and young people across Central Bedfordshire. By moving to a primary/secondary model of education throughout the area, there will be a chance to better understand and share what factors contribute to those best-performing schools.
One way to improve educational outcomes is to improve consistency. For example, a pupil at a secondary school will have a five-year journey towards their GCSEs, whereas a middle school pupil will spend the first two years in one school before transitioning to an upper school. This can be disruptive for the pupil, while the upper school will have had no input in this crucial part of a young person’s education but will need to begin preparing them for their GCSEs.
The simplified pathway of the primary/secondary model provides greater clarity for both pupils and the schools, who will also be better able to attract and retain the best teachers, in line with the rest of the country.
Can the council afford the cost of this change to a primary/secondary education system?
We believe we can. We expect to provide this money from central government grants, council borrowing, and contributions from house builders (section 106 funds). This is not the money collected from council tax. Building costs are currently volatile due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so we will be cautious with spending and ensure good value for money to keep the programme affordable.
Will schools in later phases miss out due to earlier phases using up funds?
We will carefully monitor spending to prevent this from happening.
Does the programme differentiate between council-funded schools and academy-funded schools?
No. The Schools for the Future programme makes no distinction between schools funded by the council (maintained schools) and academies funded by the Department for Education.
How can I find out if there are proposals for my local schools?
You can find out about the proposed changes for schools in your area. All the latest information will be published when available.
My child has special educational needs. What plans are there to improve provision?
We aim to improve educational provision for all pupils, including those with special educational needs (SEND). Currently, there are four dedicated special schools and 12 special educational needs units attached to mainstream schools across Central Bedfordshire. We intend to increase specialist places.
Find details of all our current special educational needs provision and our Local Offer.
Why has Central Bedfordshire been divided into eight areas?
This ensures that changes to one school don’t negatively impact nearby schools. Schools are grouped into geographical areas, reflecting local planning areas.
Are schools on board with the proposals?
Yes. Schools in each area work together to coordinate changes, in line with housing growth. While not every school may agree on every aspect of a proposal, changes will progress with broad support.
Will my child’s school be closed?
If at all possible, the aim is not to close schools. Proposals for individual schools will be published on the website. You will have opportunities to provide feedback when they are consulted upon.
When will I know of proposed changes to my local schools?
Changes are phased, in line with housing growth. Proposals and updates will be shared as they become available. Building work, if required, will take time.
Will nurseries be provided at all primary schools?
Nursery and early years provision is typically provided by voluntary or private providers and is not part of the Schools for the Future programme.
Will all proposed secondary schools have sixth forms?
Funding for sixth form provision comes from central government. Some secondary schools will have sixth forms, while others will serve students aged 11-16. Local arrangements will ensure access to further education.
If my child must move to a different school, will transport be provided?
The council’s school transport policy will continue to apply. Briefly, for pupils aged 4 to 10 years, if the nearest local school is more than two miles from home, support may be provided. For pupils aged 11 years and over, the distance is three miles.
Find out how to apply for school transport.
How will final decisions on school changes be taken?
Decisions depend on how the school is funded. Academies are independent of the council, while maintained schools are funded by the council.
Will this be disruptive to my child’s education?
Efforts will be made to ensure smooth transitions. Temporary facilities may be required during construction work.
What effect has the COVID pandemic had on the programme?
The programme began over a year before the pandemic. While the pandemic caused some delays, it is important to continue with the work to ensure the right schools are in place, delivering the best education.
If my child must move to a different school, do I need to buy a new school uniform?
School governing bodies or academy trusts make decisions on school uniforms. Some schools provide financial support for uniforms. Check with your local school for opportunities for assistance.
What happens to my child if a school changes from a three-tier to a two-tier model?
Lower school pupils (reception to year 4)
Your child can remain at the school up until the end of year 6. No action is required on your part.
Middle school pupils (years 5 to 8)
If the school becomes a primary school, your child can remain in years 5 to 6. If your child is in years 7 to 8, they will need to apply to a secondary school.
Upper school pupils (years 9 to 11)
Your child can remain at the school. Any changes will be communicated well in advance, so you have time to plan accordingly.
How long will it take for a school to become a primary or secondary school?
The process takes around three years, subject to any unforeseen changes.
Will all school changes happen at the same time?
No. Changes are phased and dependent on housing growth and pupil demand. The programme aims to complete the changes by 2035.
When will updates be provided?
Updates will be provided at key milestones. You’ll hear when:
- there are proposals to view
- consultations begin
- changes to proposals are made
- proposals are approved
- changes to school admissions are published
- actions are required during transitions
- construction works begin
- there are any delays
What if I don’t want my child to stay at their current school?
If you prefer your child to attend a different school, a new school application must be made to the school of your choice.
What do all these changes mean for my child’s school?
Your school will be in one of the following geographical areas. You’ll find all the up-to-date information for schools in your area:
- Ampthill and Flitwick area
- Biggleswade area
- Cranfield area
- Dunstable and Houghton Regis area
- Harlington area
- Leighton-Linslade area
- Sandy area
- Shefford and Stotfold area
- Woburn Sands and surrounding villages
- special education needs and disabilities (SEND) and additional resource provision
I am new to the area. How do I get my children into local schools?
View full details of school admission arrangements for every school in the area.
Here, you can find a list of:
- academy schools, funded by the Department of Education (DfE)
- schools funded by the council (also called maintained schools)