Central Beds Council gives green light to new plans for two-tier education switch

The plans, which will impact Linslade and Brooklands Schools, Leighton Middle and Gilbert Inglefield Academy, are part of what the council calls a ‘major step in shaping the future of education’ across the area.

They also include expanding SEND provision and embedding sustainability in all future school projects.

The council announced it was looking at school changes in the summer, with a decision following analysis of pupil forecasts and consultations.

It will be consulting again with schools and trusts in February and March 2026, with plans for which areas transition to two-tier education first to be based on educational, demographic and financial considerations.

A spokesperson said: “Forecasts show overall pupil numbers falling from 35,124 in 2025/26 to 32,830 by 2030/31, against an existing capacity of 42,816 school places.

“The surplus creates financial pressures for schools and underlines the need for structural change.

“At the same time, demand for specialist provision continues to rise. Since 2023, specialist places have grown from 1,069 to more than 1,167, with the recent opening of new Additionally Resourced Provisions (ARPs) at Stratton School, Shefford Lower, Sandy Secondary and an interim provision at Beech Road in Dunstable.

Cllr Steve Owen, executive member for children’s services and community safety, added: "This decision sets a clear direction for the future of education in Central Bedfordshire.

"Moving to a two-tier system will bring clarity and sustainability, but it must be done carefully and in partnership with schools and trusts, with a focus on protecting educational quality while planning for the challenges ahead."

While work continues to ensure that schools in the Cranfield area will transition to the two-tier model of education in September 2026, work will also begin on developing a multi-option model for this change across the five remaining three-tier areas of Central Bedfordshire.

Drawing on feedback from school leaders and demographic data, this modelling will be completed by January 2026 and shared with schools for further discussion.

SEND projects will also looked at to reduce the reliance on out-of-area placements. This includes the former Pulloxhill Lower School which is undergoing phased refurbishment tailored to SEMH needs, with pupils now being taught at the temporary Beech Road site in Dunstable. Once opened, the Pulloxhill site will offer up to 50 places for children with complex needs.

Cllr Owen added: "We’re expanding SEND provision because every child deserves the right support in the right setting. By expanding specialist provision locally, we’re reducing travel times for families and creating inclusive pathways that help children thrive in their own communities.”

The council also confirmed that sustainability will feature in all future school capital projects, including low-carbon design, energy efficiency, and school travel plans to promote sustainable journeys.

Sustainability standards will be integrated into all new school builds and extensions, ensuring future projects deliver low-carbon, energy-efficient environments that support the council’s wider climate commitments.

Cllr Owen said: “We want children to be inspired not just through learning, but through the spaces they learn in. By embedding sustainability in every project, we’ll aim to create environments that reflect our commitment to tackling climate change and improving community wellbeing."