Prudhoe Community High School- Closure

Prudhoe Community High School

The news that the School was to close broke on Sunday 16th February 2025.

This obviously caused a lot of concern for staff, students, families and the community, not just in Prudhoe but in the wider area.

It is important that good communication is maintained, and the Cheviot trust is the best placed to do that.

Sadly some social media posts have been ill informed, unhelpful and distressing for many closest to the problem.

I received many complaints about the behaviour of a few.

Such posts distracted those working on progressing a solution, and frustrated their work.

The basics –

Prudhoe Community High School – CLICK HERE is part of The Cheviot Trust CLICK HERE

The School was built with funding from the DFE – CLICK HERE

Planning approval was granted in March 2015 CLICK HERE

New Prudhoe High School opens As per Hexham Courant Sept 2016 CLICK HERE

In September 2019 The School became an academy – Courant report CLICK HERE

The last OFSTED report was published 29/1/2024 – Rating Good – CLICK HERE

Number of students on the school roll was 716 at the time of the inspection
Of which, number on roll in the sixth form was 187.
(Staff in excess of 100)

Recent events –

Sunday 16/2/25

The Trust advised families of the issue, and rightly closed the School whilst structural engineers carried out their inspections.

On the Friday 21st February 2025 a further message was sent out from the trust.

PCHS is situated within Prudhoe South ward.

As such I have visited the School on a number of occasions and in contact with the School on a regular basis.

When visiting the School I have been impressed with many things, including the fact that the young students are known by the senior staff and are treated as individuals, I have no doubt at all that the School team will do everything in their power to ensure the best outcomes for each pupil in such difficult circumstances.

I have been a School Governor for many years within different Schools, and I am currently a Governor at a First School (academy) and a Special School.

Whats happening now ?

The trust are working everyday to establish the impact upon the building.

They are in discussions about how the education can be provided, the online learning is merely a temporary solution.

It would be beneficial to have the School continue face to face learning on one site but with such a large number of people including staff that will be challenging.

I know that staff are working this weekend and over the holiday to provide the best service possible.

I receive regular updates and make myself available to the trust and NCC to provide support if needed.

I provide them with a link to the wider community but it is right that I do not interfere with the work of the professionals who I hold in high respect and feel confident that they will navigate this terrible situation as quickly as practicable.

Press report – Chronicle 17/2/25 CLICK HERE

Update 24/2/25

Parents speak out – Tracy Gilmore in ITV interview

CLICK HERE

Update 25/2/25

NCC continue to support the trust when needed.

Today I have written to the Secretary of State for Education to secure a commitment to support Prudhoe and progress this very important issue as a matter of urgency.

Good Afternoon Secretary of State.

As the ward member for the area where the School is located, I would like to ask that you please ensure the DFE works quickly to support the trust in securing good quality facilities which will allow face to face education to be restored as a matter of urgency

In addition, the DFE provides a solution to the long term future of the current building & it’s site.

Some flexibility for the students taking examinations should be considered.

I would like to invite you to meet me in Prudhoe at a location close to the site and have discussions in the very near future.

Thank you

Gordon Stewart

Update 25/2/25 5pm

Government warn Prudhoe High School pupils unlikely to have exams adjusted despite school closure via Chronicle.

CLICK HERE

Update 7.30pm 25/2/25

Council Leader reaffirms support for Prudhoe High.- Via NCC website.

CLICK HERE

Update 26/2/25

Council leader asks Minister to act.

Via Chronicle CLICK HERE

Update 1/3/25

Petition-
Those in power within Government (including DFE) are taking far too long to show a commitment to Prudhoe Community High School students, their families and staff.

Letters to the Secretary of state have been sent now its time for the #PrudhoeCommunity and those further afield to ask –

Please sign the petition- https://www.change.org/p/prudhoe-community-high-school

We call upon the Secretary of State for Education,The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP to take urgent and decisive action to ensure funding is made available immediately to create an appropriate location(s) to allow face to face learning, in or close to Prudhoe.
In addition to agree funding to ensure that Prudhoe Community High School has a future within the town.

3/3/25

Courant update from the Trust – CLICK HERE.

Coverage on BBC NE News & BBC radio Newcastle.

6/3/25

I have received a response to my letter to the Secretary of state, previously shared.

The response is basically that they are working closely with the trust.

I do not have permission to share the response, but there is nothing much to say.

7/3/25

Update from the trust. CLICK HERE

10/3/25

SofS comments -via Chronicle CLICK HERE

13/3/25

Cheviot trust update

CLICK HERE

15/3/25

Prudhoe High School investigation likely to be completed by Easter

Via Chronicle CLICK HERE

28/3/25

Cheviot Trust announcement –

Prudhoe Community High School Senior Leadership Team Works to Get PCHS at Washington Campus Ready for Students

CLICK HERE

4/4/25

PCHS Facebook page re ‘So that’s week one of PCHS@Washington done!’

CLICK HERE

21/4/25

I have again written to The Rt Honourable Bridget Phillipson the Secretary of State for Education (A Sunderland MP)

—————–

Good Morning Secretary of State.

Students their families and the wider community are concerned that there has been little or no assurance from Government about the long-term future provision of the High School in Prudhoe.

Can you please give the assurance that the Government will cover the cost of any repairs needed, and those associated with the temporary relocation. and in the worst-case scenario a new build within the town.

Also, that any work will not be tied up with red tape, as we are dealing with the future of so many young people, as well as staff.

The offer to meet me in Prudhoe remains open.

Thank you

Gordon Stewart.

*** There is no indication at this time that the School can not be repaired, just covering all bases as there is a lack of information from the Govt*

28/4/25

A reply from the Secretary of state –

Relevant point –

The department continues to work closely with CLT to return pupils to the Prudhoe site as close to September 2025 as possible. This includes advisory support as the trust works with their structural advisors to identify plans for reinstatement of the building.

** So basically nothing to reassure the public **

28/4/25 Petition update-

The petition is still open CLICK HERE Currently 1,104 people have signed it.

14/5/2025

A totally pointless press release from Joe Morris MP which caused concern from members of the community CLICK HERE

Cheviot trust web page dedicated to this issue CLICK HERE

Letter to Parents / Carers from the Cheviot trust. –