Merger off for schools

Plans to merge two Stourport schools have been rejected by the Government, putting teaching jobs at risk.

The county council had planned to bring Lickhill Primary and Stourport Primary together on one site and retain control. But now the proposal has been turned down, the council's cabinet will consider closing Lickhill and expanding Stourport to take on the extra pupils.

All the staff at the closing school would be under threat of redundancy, and some of the governors at Lickhill could also face the axe.

Colin Weeden, Worcestershire County Council's head of raising achievement and access to learning, said the rejection was disappointing but not unexpected because of the Government's policy of encouraging more schools to be taken out of council control and run by private firms.

The authority was keen to sort out management of the two-form entry school as quickly as possible and would be recommending further consultation.

He said it was important to confirm which school would close so that all those involved could comment on the proposal.

It is proposed the further consultation will take place from next month until January. A report to the council's cabinet, which will discuss the plans next Thursday, says staff would have to re-apply for jobs in the expanded school.

John Caldwell, of Stourport Parents Against the Merger, said the new proposal to close Lickhill and expand Stourport Primary was not better for parents or pupils. He added: "There is still no real choice for parents."