Government gives go-ahead for new academy in Wirral

Dec 29 2010 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

PLANS to merge two Wirral schools into an academy have been approved by the Government.

The University Academy will open in January and take in around 1,100 pupils from Rock Ferry High and Park High, in Birkenhead.

Building on the expertise of the schools, the academy’s specialisms will be “applied learning, sport and performance” – and pupils will receive a free school uniform.

Academy principal Steve McMahon said: “Everyone who is part of our academy – students and staff – will challenge themselves and each other to achieve ambitious targets in every aspect of our performance. We will have consistently high expectations and we will challenge and support every student to become the very best they can be by developing their self-belief, raising their aspirations and supporting them to achieve their full potential.”

The academy will initially continue to occupy the sites of the two predecessor schools, with the former Park High site known as the North Campus and the former Rock Ferry High site renamed South Campus. Students will also continue with their current timetables and exam courses on their current sites.

In September, 2011, the academy will come together on the North Campus and extra bus services will be provided to enable students to travel to and from school.

Students currently in Year 10 in both schools will continue with their GCSE and other exam courses under guaranteed and protected timetables so their studies are not disrupted.

All students will take part in a special transition programme, which has already begun.