Frome Education Structures Consultation part 2

Overview

Somerset Council is jointly consulting on proposed changes to the way education is organised in Frome.

Over the last two years, schools and other key education partners have been working together to explore whether moving to a two-tier system could benefit children and young people in the area. These discussions have been collaborative and focused on ensuring the best possible outcomes for all learners.

A two-tier system typically consists of primary schools and secondary schools, rather than the current three-tier system of first, middle and upper schools.

We are now seeking your views on a detailed proposal for moving to a two-tier system in Frome.

Why we are proposing a change

The proposal has been developed to respond to both educational opportunities and changing local needs.

Potential benefits of a two-tier system may include:

• Fewer changes between schools, helping children experience a more consistent learning journey
• Stronger curriculum progression, making it easier to plan learning from early years through to further education
• Improved pastoral support, with children staying longer in the same school community
• Better use of resources, including school buildings, staff and specialist provision
• A more joined-up local education system, with stronger links between schools
• Wider opportunities for pupils, through a more stable and consistent experience
• More local children staying in Frome schools, if needs are better met locally
• Greater choice for families across the full age range
• Opportunities to increase specialist and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) provision locally

Alongside these potential benefits, we recognise that changes of this scale can be disruptive. If the proposal is progressed, careful planning would be needed to reduce any impact on pupils, families, staff and the wider community.

What we have heard so far

Earlier this year, local education partners carried out an informal consultation to understand initial views.

• Around 800 responses were received
• 71% supported moving to a two-tier system
• 22% did not support the change
• 7% were unsure

People who supported the idea often highlighted improved continuity, better curriculum progression and increased choice.

Those who did not support the proposal raised points including the current system working well, concerns about transition points, and the need for clear evidence and investment.

Many respondents said that, if the proposal goes ahead, they would expect:

• A clear transition plan
• Transparent information about investment
• Details of school catchments and transport
• Clear plans for SEND and specialist provision

These views have helped shape the detailed proposal in this consultation.

The proposal

We are proposing to move to a two-tier education system in Frome from September 2028.

Under this proposal:

• There would be two secondary schools serving the area
• These would be supported by 14 primary schools
• There would be additional provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

The proposal also includes:

• Changes to school capacity, to match the number of places with future demand
• Better use of existing buildings, including creating local SEND provision
• Use of available funding, including developer contributions, to support any required changes

Further detail about how individual schools may be affected is provided within the consultation documents.

Why this matters now

The number of school-age children in the Frome area is changing, with fewer younger children expected in the coming years.

This proposal aims to:

• Ensure there are the right number of school places in the right locations
• Support the long-term sustainability of local schools
• Meet the needs of children and families within Frome wherever possible

There are also six, in-person, one-hour Q&A sessions where the Formal Proposal will be presented by education stakeholders:

Tuesday 9th June 2026, at 1400, 1600 & 1800 at Frome Town Hall, Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EB

Wednesday 17th June 2026, at 1400, 1600 & 1800 at Frome Town Hall, Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EB

There is no need to book to attend any of the Q&A sessions.