Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery has welcomed the news that funding has been allocated to develop additional teaching accommodation at St Benet Biscop Academy in Bedlington. However, Mr Lavery has urged caution due to what he says is a marked change in the town’s education system due to the conversion of Meadowdale Academy to a primary school.

There is £2.5million earmarked for additional teaching accommodation on the St Benet Biscop High School site, which follows the reorganisation of school-age ranges in the Bedlington Partnership. The conversion of Meadowdale Academy to a primary school means there are now pressures on Year 7 and 8 spaces at the secondary level.

Whilst Mr Lavery said he was pleased to see the investment he also added; “It is a concern of many local residents and myself that this situation has only come about because of Meadowdale Academy’s transition to a Primary School. I will be keeping in contact with the school and monitoring the situation regarding school places in the town.”