Northumberland County Council to Close Berwick, Tweedmouth and Glendale Middle Schools in Two-Tier Shift

Northumberland County Council is ending the three-tier school model in Berwick and replacing it with a two-tier primary and secondary system. The change closes Berwick Middle School, Tweedmouth Middle School and Glendale Middle School on 31 August 2026. Berwick Academy will become an 11-18 secondary academy from September 2026.

Direct effects on local pupils and families

Children currently in the three middle schools will transfer either to primary schools or directly to the new secondary phase at Berwick Academy. The move removes the middle-school stage that has operated between first and high schools. Residents with pupils in years 5 to 8 at the affected middle schools will need to plan for different school sites and transport arrangements from the 2026-27 academic year onward.

Berwick Academy will extend its age range to admit pupils at age 11 rather than 13. The academy is scheduled to occupy a new facility costing £42 million once the existing buildings are replaced. Families living in Berwick and the surrounding catchment will therefore deal with a single secondary intake point rather than the previous progression through middle school.

Funding position and next steps

The council sought £13 million from the Department for Education to support the project. That request was refused, which increased the local contribution required for the £42 million facility. Council records show the original estimate stood at £5 million before the funding decision.

School places for the 2026 intake will be allocated under the new two-tier structure. Northumberland County Council will manage admissions for primary and secondary phases while Berwick Academy completes its transition. Residents can follow updates through the council's published decision documents and the academy's notices.