Petition warns against high school closure

A petition seeking to save Monkseaton High School has attracted 1,500 signatures

A petition to save a high school from potential closure has gathered more than 1,500 signatures.

North Tyneside Council launched a six-week public consultation on the future of Monkseaton High School in Whitley Bay on Tuesday.

The school has 511 pupils despite having capacity for 964 and currently has a £5.3m deficit.

A petition was launched on Wednesday which said the school "played a critical role in educating our rising generation, shaping their futures, and ultimately defining our society’s pillars".

Chris O’Neill, 49 and from Whitley Bay, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he and other parents were "still in the dark about our options and what the future holds".

The local authority stated it had considered several options including the school becoming an academy, however it is understood there was no interest from any academy trust.

In the petition, supporters wrote: "The consequences of its closure will not only impact the students of this institution but will have far-reaching effects on the educational landscape of our region.

"Therefore, we urge the concerned authorities to reconsider their decision and protect our precious institution from closure".

'No decisions made'

Children's services director Julie Firth previously said fewer parents were choosing to send their children to the school, which is having a "financial impact".

"This is putting the education of pupils at risk," she said.

"No decisions have been made and all residents are welcome to put forward their suggestions before any further decisions are made."

In a separate development, there was confusion over the timing of a letter sent to parents advising them about school places at university technical colleges (UTC).

Delivery of the letter, sent to parents nationwide on the instruction of the Department for Education, coincided with discussions about Monkseaton.

North Tyneside Council issued a statement to clarify the situation, saying: "It [the UTC Letter] is not about alternative provision for children impacted by the consultation on the future of Monkseaton High School.

"We know that this is unfortunate timing and apologise for any confusion this has caused."