Reprieve for some Runcorn schools but others still facing closure

The World reported in May how the council was consulting on several proposals to reduce the number of primary schools across the town.

It pointed the finger of blame at what it said were falling pupil numbers due to a reduction in birth rates.

The initial proposals put out to consultation, were:

• Closure, federation or merger, including through
  academisation, of The Holy Spirit Catholic Primary
  School, St Edwards Catholic Primary School,
  Woodside Primary School and Brookvale Primary
  School.
• Recommend to the Wade Deacon Trust to consult on
  the closure of Weston Point Community Primary
  School to enable the merger with Westfield Primary
  School.
• Consulting on the closure of Westfield Primary
  School if a merger with Weston Point Primary
  does not go ahead.
• Recommend to The Heath Family Trust to consult
  on the closure or merger of Bridgewater Park
  Primary School and Palacefields Primary Academy.

The plans sparked a fierce backlash from the impacted schools, unions, parents and some local politicians.

But the council said that as of October last year, there were 6,223 primary school places available compared to 4,944 pupils on roll, equating to approximately 20.6 per cent surplus capacity across the town, with the finger of blame being pointed at falling birth rates.

Following a consultation with schools and other stakeholders, the council has now released further proposals – but remains adamant that no final decisions have been made.

The new plans are:

• That no further action is taken at this time following in relation to Westfield Primary School, Brookvale Primary School and Woodside Primary School.
• The proposed closure of The Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School.
• The proposed closure of St Edward’s Catholic Primary School if a federation with St Clement’s Catholic Primary School does not succeed.
• To approve recommendation to The Heath Family (Northwest) Multi Academy Trust that it commences discussions with the Department for Education to pursue the closure of Bridgewater Park Academy by mutual agreement to enable an amalgamation with Astmoor Primary School. And the closure of Palace Fields Academy by mutual agreement, in accordance with Department for Education guidance on academy closure by mutual agreement.
• To approve the recommendation to Wade Deacon Omega Trust that it commences discussions with the Department for Education to pursue the closure of Weston Point Primary Academy by mutual agreement in accordance with Department for Education guidance.

The updated plans are set to be considered by Halton’s ruling executive board on Thursday, November 19.

A council spokeswoman said: “No final decisions have been made about the future of any school.

“Further discussions and exploratory work may take place with schools, trusts, diocesan authorities and other partners to consider whether alternative options could help secure long-term sustainability.

“This could include reducing surplus places, changes to organisational arrangements, or making better use of existing school buildings and facilities.”