Ridgeway High remains on Building Schools for the Future investment list after government u-turn

Aug 11 2010 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

THE Birkenhead High School Academy scheme has risen from the dead following a dramatic U-turn by Education Secretary, Michael Gove.

The well-advanced project was in line for the scrapheap as the new government sought to deliver swingeing cuts in response to the budget deficit created by the banking crisis.

But in a change of heart, Mr Gove has reprieved the plan to transform Ridgeway High, along with other well-progressed projects across the country.

Announcing his decision, the Conservative MP said: “I know how hard councils and schools have worked on these projects and I have been anxious to ensure we can do everything we can, in difficult economic times, to support the crucial work of raising educational standards.

“Planning for these projects is well advanced and we are keen they should proceed without further delay.”

More than 100 schools in Merseyside and north Cheshire are eligible to be fast-tracked for academy status after being judged “outstanding” by Ofsted.