Wirral headteachers defend plans for new ‘super school’

Oct 29 2008 by Carrie Catterall, Birkenhead News

rock ferry high

HEADTEACHERS of Rock Ferry High School and Park High School have defended a plan to create a £30m “super school” in Birkenhead.

The new Academy could replace the two schools, which have falling numbers of pupils, following the recommendation of a government report.

Park High School headteacher, Steve McMahon said: “This fantastic opportunity for the wider community of Birkenhead and Wirral is not about “axing” any schools, we are already thriving and our transformation into an Academy would enable us to flourish even further.

“Inevitably, some parents and students might have concerns about the practical implications for them in terms of transport to the new site but it would not be far away and there would be no disruption.”

Rock Ferry High school headteacher Peter Bennett, said: “In April 2008, OfSTED judged the curriculum and the care and welfare of pupils at my school to be outstanding.

“However, the investment of £30 million in the proposed Rock Ferry/Park Academy would be a richly deserved vote of confidence in our children and would transform education in the Birkenhead area.”

Cabinet members will meet on November 6 to discuss the latest proposal, followed by a period of consultation with key stakeholders.

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