FOUR schools have been earmarked closure in the latest round of the school organisation review.

Laurence Cawley

FOUR schools have been earmarked closure in the latest round of the school organisation review.

Suffolk County Council has tonight published its recommendations for the Sudbury and Great Cornard area following twelve weeks of public consultation.

The council's cabinet will consider the recommendations - which include closing All Saints Middle, Uplands Middle, Great Cornard Middle and Stoke-by-Nayland Middle - when it meets next week.

During the consultation period more than 1370 questionnaires, letters and emails were received and 1230 people attended meetings at schools in the area.

Graham Newman, portfolio holder for children, schools and young people services, said: “In general, there was public support for the options published for consultation.

“However, where objections were raised they were carefully considered, before decisions were made on what options to recommend to cabinet.

“I would like to thank everyone who got involved with the consultation and reassure them that their views will be taken in account when Cabinet meet to consider the recommendations. The recommendations contained in the cabinet paper represent the option which is believed to help young people to achieve the very best they can. Any changes finally approved will be carefully planned to ensure young people's education is not affected.

“Improving results at Key Stage 2 remains our top priority. Results in three tier areas continue to be almost 6% lower than in two tier areas and has to be addressed. We all want the best for our young people so barriers which have been proven to restrict progress have to be removed. The recommendations are not a reflection on the extremely hard working and dedicated staff in our schools but on the system they work within.”

If the cabinet approves the recommendations at its meeting on February 2, statutory notices for the recommended changes will be published.