PHASED PLAN AIMS FOR GRADUAL GROWTH

MONKSEATON Middle School has been saved from closure and will expand its year groups in order to secure its future.

- By AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE Local Democracy Reporter

This week, North Tyneside Council bosses have signed off plans to expand Monkseaton Middle School's year groups from 5-8 to 5-11.

The school, much admired by parents and pupils, will introduce Year 9 in 2027, then Years 10 and 11.

It is hoped the phased plan will allow for gradual growth, a balanced Key Stage 4 curriculum, as well as enabling pupils to stay on at the school until 16.

The decision was welcomed by people in the public gallery and met with applause.

Monkseaton Middle School was one of several schools in North Tyneside faced with the prospect of closure in the council's original plans back in October 2025.

The local authority cited low birth rates, surplus places, and the subsequent impacts on school budgets as major contributing factors to the plans, which spread throughout North Tyneside.