Cople and Willington Schools Merger

The proposed merger of Cople and Willington Lower Schools

This follows the decisions taken in the last year, as a result of previous consultations, to extend the age range of the schools and to become a federation.

Every school has a unique Department of Education number. By consulting on whether we become one school, the legal process dictates that one school has to discontinue in order that we only retain

one number. It makes no practical difference which school ‘discontinues’ and which school ‘continues’, as the schools will come together with equal status under a new name (chosen by

yourselves and our local communities).

This consultation is led by Bedford Borough Council and they have selected Willington as the school to be ‘discontinued’, but, as stated above, this is just a paper exercise so please do not be alarmed. We have been open about our plans at every stage and wish to engage with you directly in this important process. We remain fully committed to ensuring the best possible educational provision for your children and are looking forward to developing new and exciting opportunities in the years ahead, on both sites.

In order that you can feel involved in this process, we would urge you to firstly read the document carefully and to come along to one of our consultation meetings:

Tuesday 15th November 7pm at Cople Lower School

Wdnesday 16th November 7pm at Willington Lower School

This will be an opportunity to hear more about our plans and to ask questions. It would help us to prepare for the meeting if you could let us have any questions ahead of time, email

We want to provide an opportunity for open discussion and to ensure a clear and transparent process and for you to be able to respond to the consultation feeling fully

More details on the school website

Yours sincerely

Helen Johnson and Elizabeth Dun

Headteachers of Cople Lower School and Willington Lower School

office@copleschool.org.uk