City has say on schools' future

A major consultation on academies and the future of secondary education on Wearside has been given the go ahead.

Letters are being sent to parents across Sunderland to ask their views and invite them to meetings to talk about the issues involved.

Sunderland City Council said it is one of the biggest consultations it has held about secondary education.

Information about the consultation will be given in booklets, a special website and through face-to-face meetings.

Sunderland Council director of education Terry Walsh said: "This consultation is the biggest for many years about how secondary education is delivered in Sunderland.

"It is an opportunity for everyone to give their views on the shape of the city's secondary schools both for children in our schools now and for future generations."

A series of meetings will be held at schools during September.