Pupil Referral Unit Consultation

Overview

Have your say on proposed changes to Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) in Somerset

Somerset Council currently operates four PRUs and two Behaviour Partnerships (BPs), each with different levels of facilities, staffing, and funding. This has led to inconsistent services and varied outcomes for children and young people across the county.

To improve fairness and quality, the Council is proposing to consolidate the existing PRUs. This follows design workshops with PRU leaders and BP representatives, as well as informal consultation with staff.

We are now launching a formal consultation to gather views from the public and organisations on the proposed changes.

The proposal aims to:

• Ensure consistent provision across Somerset.
• Address the lack of facilities in Frome and West Somerset.
• Expand Locality Hubs and support the Flexible Education model.
• Help children not currently in school to be placed on a school roll.
• Streamline governance and commissioning.
• Improve outcomes for children and young people.

Phase one of the plan would merge the four existing PRUs into two—one for the east and one for the west—starting 1 April 2026. While this involves closing two PRUs, the remaining two would be expanded and renamed. Children and staff would remain at their current sites.

Each PRU would have its own Headteacher, supported by an Executive Headteacher to ensure consistency and lead strategic engagement with the Council and partners.

This consultation paper outlines the proposal. Somerset Council believes these changes will significantly improve education provision for children and young people across the county.