David Ruffley MP has today highlighted the upcoming review of School organisation within Suffolk.

At present Suffolk has a mixture of two types of schooling; two tier and three tier. In the two tier set up children attend Primary School from ages 4- 11 and Secondary School from ages 11- 16 (or 11- 18). In the three tier system children attend Primary School from ages 4- 9, Middle School from ages 9- 14 and Upper School from ages 13- 18.

Suffolk County Council has launched a major review of this organisation, which is being led by a Policy Development Panel appointed by the County Council's Cabinet. The main issue the Panel will be considering is whether the needs of Suffolk children will be best served by the current arrangements or by a different pattern of provision.

David Ruffley is encouraging people across Suffolk to take part in this consultation either by filling in a consultation form which can be obtained from local libraries and via www.Suffolk.gov.uk or attending one of seven sessions the Policy Development Panel will be holding across Suffolk (see notes for details).

David is also writing to Headteachers in his constituency asking for their views on the structure of our education system in Suffolk.

David said:

'This is an incredibly important consultation. Potentially it could bring about massive changes to the way our children are educated in Suffolk, therefore, it is of the utmost importance that local people participate the process.

'I urge my constituents across Suffolk to complete the consultation form which can be obtained from local libraries and via www.Suffolk.gov.uk or to attend one of the sessions the Policy and Development Panel will be holding.

'In order to obtain feedback from education professionals I am writing to Headteachers in my constituency asking for their views on the best possible structure for educating Suffolk children.

'We can not underestimate how vital it is that young people in our County are given the best possible start in life. I congratulate Suffolk County Council on holding this review and giving the people of Suffolk the chance to have their say on this important issue.'