BDMAT has announced that the Department for Education has approved plans to split Austrey and Newton Regis Schools from September 2027, with Newton Regis becoming an infant school and Austrey becoming a junior school.

We believe this decision will have a significant negative impact on children, families and both village communities.

The Trust's own consultation identifies anticipated annual savings of £90,000–£105,000 through reductions in staffing, including one teacher, one teaching assistant and 0.5 full-time equivalent administrative staff. This raises serious concerns about whether financial savings are being prioritised over children's education and wellbeing.

There are concerns about potentially larger classes, reduced individual attention and less teaching assistant support, particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those requiring additional help.

Children will no longer have the opportunity to complete their primary education within one continuous school environment. Some may have to move between the two villages and potentially change school site more than once, disrupting friendships, routines and relationships with teachers.

The changes will also create practical difficulties for families. Parents with children attending different schools may have to make additional journeys between Austrey and Newton Regis every school day. This means increased petrol costs, additional travel time and difficulties for working parents and families relying on grandparents or other relatives for childcare.

There are also serious concerns about increased traffic, congestion and pressure on already limited parking facilities around both schools.

Both schools are at the heart of their villages. We are concerned that separating them will weaken the shared community, relationships and identity that have developed over many years.

We believe the long-term educational, social and practical consequences have not been given sufficient consideration.

WHAT WE WANT

We are calling on BDMAT and the Department for Education to reverse the decision, stop the proposed separation and retain the existing school arrangements.

Our children's education, wellbeing and future should come before financial savings.

We ask everyone who cares about Austrey, Newton Regis and the surrounding communities to sign and share this petition. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, former pupil or local resident, your voice matters.