Members of the public are invited to have their say on plans to transform how education is delivered in the Crewkerne and Ilminster area from November 12.

Somerset County Council has today announced details of a public consultation on proposals to move from the current three-tier school system to a two-tier model of primary and secondary schools.

This follows a decision to undertake a consultation made by the Council’s Cabinet on October 21.

The consultation will run for four weeks between November 12 and December 10. It provides an opportunity for those who wish to have their say on the Council’s plans.

Due to the restrictions on public events due to coronavirus, a series of virtual Teams Live consultation events are being organised to take place as follows:

  • Tuesday 17 November – 5.30pm-7.30pm
  • Wednesday 18 November – 7.45pm-9.45pm (Misterton First School specific)
  • Tuesday 24 November – 7.45pm-9.45pm
  • Thursday 26 November – 4.15pm-6.15pm

Anyone is welcome to attend. Event registration details will be published on November 12 at somerset.gov.uk/crewkerne-and-ilminster-strategic-school-review.

Consultation responses should be submitted between November 12 and December 10. This can be done by completing an online questionnaire which will be available between these dates at somerset.gov.uk/schoolsconsultation.

Anyone with specific questions requiring a response is encouraged to email crewkerneilminsterschools@somerset.gov.uk.

Or you can send them in writing to ‘Crewkerne & Ilminster Consultation, Somerset County Council, PP-B3E3, B3 East, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton TA1 4DY.’

Councillor Faye Purbrick, cabinet member for Education and Transformation at Somerset County Council, said: “We have put together these plans to ensure every child in the Crewkerne and Ilminster area can continue to receive the first class education they absolutely deserve.

"We want people to be involved in developing the proposals and are committed to listening to their views.

"I encourage everyone with an interest to take part, join our virtual events and have their say in our public consultation.”

Depending on the outcome of this listening exercise, it would be followed by publication of notices and a further four-week period when members of the public can respond.

Cabinet is expected to make a final decision on the way forward in 2021.