What could be Wirral’s first ‘free school’ looks to attract pupil interest

Oct 27 2010 by Matt Hurst, Heswall News

A FORMER fee-paying primary school could be resurrected as Wirral’s first ‘free school’, but must first prove there is demand.

Heswall Preparatory School, on Quarry Road East, was forced to close its doors last summer as pupil numbers dwindled and families tightened their belts.

But proprietor, Marjorie Hannaford refused to give up the ghost and has now received preliminary approval to open the peninsula’s first ‘free school’ – provided she can prove there is sufficient demand.

Originating in Sweden, the concept of ‘free schools’ has been embraced by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition currently in government.

It allows parents, teachers, charities or businesses to set up schools that are funded by the taxpayer, non-selective and free to attend, but are not under local authority control.

Marjorie, whose family has run Heswall Prep since 1968, is hoping to attract 50 pupils aged between 3-11, from across Wirral and Cheshire, to join the new school from September next year.

She told the News: “It’s good that people will be able to get a good education in a small school with small classes, and which will be free to everybody whatever their background.”

The building is ready to go and still contains desks, chairs and all the other equipment relevant to a modern school.

All Marjorie needs now is firm interest to prove to government her proposal is worth backing.

For more information, call 0151 342 3090 or email hesprep@aol.com