Consultation on Proposal to Reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN)

Cheviot Learning Trust (as the admission authority) is consulting on proposed changes to the admission arrangements for Morpeth All Saints CE First School and Prudhoe Castle First School for the academic year September 2027.

The Trust proposes to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) for entry into Reception at both schools as follows:

• Morpeth All Saints CE First School: from 45 to 30

• Prudhoe Castle First School: from 30 to 15

This means the number of children admitted into Reception each year would be limited to 30 pupils at Morpeth All Saints and 15 pupils at Prudhoe Castle from September 2027.

Rationale for the Proposal

The proposed reductions have been carefully considered and are being made in response to:

• A continuing decline in local birth rates and pupil numbers within the area;

• The need to organise classes efficiently and make best use of school resources; and

• A desire to maintain high-quality educational provision within appropriate class sizes.

Both schools remain committed to serving their communities effectively and believe these proposals reflect the current and projected demand for places. These changes will not affect any pupils currently on roll.

Details of the Proposals

Morpeth All Saints CE First School

• Current PAN: 45

• Proposed PAN: 30

• Year of Implementation: September 2027

• There are no other proposed changes to the school’s admission arrangements.

Prudhoe Castle First School

• Current PAN: 30

• Proposed PAN: 15

• Year of Implementation: September 2027

• There are no other proposed changes to the school’s admission arrangements.

Consultation Process

The consultation will run for six weeks, from:

Friday 5th December 2025 to Friday 30th January 2026

During this period, stakeholders are invited to express their views on the proposed changes.

Who We Are Consulting

In accordance with the School Admissions Code (2021), consultation is open to:

• Parents of children aged 2 to 18;

• Other persons in the relevant area who may be affected by the proposed arrangements;

• Other admission authorities within the local area;

• The local authority;

• Local schools and nurseries;

• Newcastle and Durham Diocese and Education Board (for Morpeth All Saints, as applicable).

How to Respond

Comments and representations can be submitted:

By email:
info@cheviotlt.co.uk

By post:
Cheviot Learning Trust
Sir Bobby Robson House, Esh Plaza
Sir Bobby Robson Way
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE13 9BA

All responses must be received by Friday 30th January 2026.

Next Steps

Following the consultation:

• All responses will be considered by the Trust Board.

• A decision on the proposed PAN reductions will be made, and admission arrangements will be determined by 28th February 2026.

• The determined arrangements will be published on each school’s website and shared with the Local Authority.