Somerset Council has launched a formal consultation inviting residents to have their say on proposed changes to the way education is organised in Frome.
The consultation asks for views on a detailed proposal to move from the current 3-tier system of first, middle and upper schools to a 2-tier model of primary and secondary education.
It comes as the number of school-age children in the Frome area is changing, with fewer younger children expected in the coming years.
Under the proposal, Frome would be served by 2 secondary schools and 14 primary schools, alongside additional local provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
A 2-tier system could reduce the number of transitions pupils make during their school life, improve curriculum progression, and make better use of buildings, staffing and specialist support.
If approved, the changes would be introduced from September 2028.
The proposal has been developed jointly with schools and education partners after more than 2 years of discussion about how best to meet the needs of children and young people in the area.
It’s intended to help ensure there are the right number of school places in the right locations, to support the long-term sustainability of local schools and meet the needs of children and families within Frome.
Lead Member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, Cllr Heather Shearer, said:
We know how important school arrangements are to children, families and staff, and we want to hear from as many people as possible before any decisions are made.
The proposal is about creating an education system in Frome that is sustainable, supports children and young people to thrive, whilst meeting the needs of the community now and in the future.
An earlier informal (pre-publication) consultation was opened on 23 February and ran until 20 March 2026. It received more than 800 responses.
Of those who participated, 71% supported a move to a 2-tier system, 22% did not support the change and 7% said they were unsure. Feedback from that first, informal stage, helped shape the detailed proposal now being consulted on by Somerset Council.
Read the full proposal and share your views through the online consultationA series of in-person question and answer sessions will also be held in Frome, giving residents the opportunity to hear more about the proposal from education stakeholders.
These in-person 1-hour Q&A sessions will take place at Frome Town Hall, Christchurch Street West, on:
- Tuesday 9 June at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm, and again on
- Wednesday 17 June at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.
There is no need to book to attend the sessions.
The consultation exercise closes on 10 July 2026.
