Shake-up of schools will lead to closures

Falling numbers, with 700 fewer children in primary schools now compared with five years ago, is one factor which has prompted a rethink on education in this area.

Faced also with the need to provide new and improved facilities at Boundstone Community Colledge and King's Manor Community College, and a shortage of local vocational education and training opportunities, West Sussex County Council has come up with a 15 million detailed package.

Following a general consultation last autumn, detailed consultation begins on February 6 with a series of meetings at individual schools.

The proposals are to change the age of transfer to secondary school from 12 to 11 and reorganising first and middle schools to prov ide a pattern of primary schools across the district to march the reduced number of children aged four to 11.

There will be new provision of vocational opportunties for 14-19 year olds and investment in extended school facilities.

The county intends the changes to come into effect in Sedptember 2008.