Proposals to merge Eskdale School with college

Governors from both establishments have agreed to look at a proposal set out by North Yorkshire County Council - which for many years has wanted to create a single secondary school in the town.

It would be another radical re-organisation of Whitby’s education system which has seen massive changes over recent years including the merger of the former Whitby Community College and Caedmon School.

The county council is set to decide at a meeting, scheduled for February 9, whether to take the issue of a merger out to public consultation.

If it is agreed that Eskdale should join Caedmon then the timescales for doing so have not yet been revealed.

Eskdale headteacher, Sue Whelan has written to parents this morning saying that “Eskdale School is not shutting at the end of this school year”. However, Sue Verrill the chair of governors has said that the school will not teach the GCSE programme to current year 9 students.

Instead it is likely that that will be offered by Caedmon College and discussions are already underway between the two schools about to facilitate that.

The Gazette understands that Caedmon College will be holding an open evening after a decision on consultation has been reached on February 9 to speak to parents about GCSEs.

Mrs Verrill added: “We know that this will be disappointing for many students and parents but we want only the best for each student and we wold not want courses to be interrupted by any possible re-arrangements.

“We know that you will have many questions but we would ask that you wait until the decision is made and consultation documents come out.”

As news broke last night of the proposals it prompted several hundreds of comments on Facebook from parents and ex-pupils who have affection and support for Eskdale School.

A Facebook page, Fight to Save Eskdale school was set up and had over 1000 likes within hours. It is currently being backed by over 2000 people.