School closures in the North East are at a higher rate than the rest of the UK. Just a few weeks ago there was a school closure in North Tyneside, and it certainly wasn’t the first of its kind. Other schools, such as Monkseaton High, are only half full - despite being built by the council only 14 years ago.
This is primarily a result of the birth rate falling. Due to fewer students, the schools get less funding, which impacts the quality of resources, teaching, and education for students.
Some schools are switching from a three to a two-tier system to combat the issue. However, this has left families unclear on the direction of their children's education. Parents have also expressed concerns regarding their children being left behind in comparison to the rest of the country.
The council has responded, saying an investment of £50m in the Berwick partnership of schools is set to transform education in the area long term Parents have also expressed concerns regarding the uncertainty of their children's education. With most affected children’s educations already being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, parents express fears over further disruptions of their children's education.
The negative implications for teachers have led to teachers strikes in impacted areas multiple times this year. The council has said aims to secure permanent employment for teachers in impacted areas.
John Hall of the NASUWT teachers union said he believes schools are ‘sleepwalking into crisis’ if they don’t begin to discuss the impacts of lowering birthrates on the school system. He urges schools and the local council to work together.
Some teachers can see positives in class sizes falling, with the president of the National Education Union pointing out that the North East has the second-highest primary school class sizes in the UK. He reiterates, however, that there is a concern regarding funding for both schools and pupils.
