PLANS to create a new secondary school for Whitby are going out to consultation.

Subject to backing from the community, North Yorkshire County council proposes to close Caedmon School, which currently caters for children aged 11 to 14 and enlarge Whitby Community college to create one school for 11 to 19-year-olds.

The existing Caedmon School buildings would be used as part of the new school.

The town’s other secondary school, Eskdale, which also caters for 11 to 14-year-olds, has applied for academy status to offer education for 11 to 16-year-olds.

In a report to the Council’s Executive, Strategic Planning Officer, Fiona Campbell said: "The existence of a middle school structure in Whitby means that children experience an additional school transfer in comparison to children in most other areas of North Yorkshire.

"National and international studies have recognised that there can be a hiatus in children’s progress at times of transition."

School governors had supported the plan.