School merger could be brought forward

Balderstone Technology College and Springhill High School could be merged three years earlier than originally envisaged, following plans being put forward for Cabinet approval by Rochdale Council next week.

The council has recommended that the two schools, already earmarked for closure in 2013, shut in August 2010 to form one school based over two sites in preparation for the opening of a new building on the Springhill site in September 2013.

Terry Piggott, Executive Director at Rochdale Council said that moving the date forward would be in the best interests of the pupils: “We carefully considered all the options, and concluded there were significant advantages to taking three years off timescales. Although bringing the date forward will initially entail operating across both existing sites we feel this will actually ease the transition process. By this time Balderstone will be out of special measures and in a strong position. Operating the two schools as one for a full year, before any pupil movement, will ensure that any issues around the amalgamation can be resolved ahead of any minor disruption caused by the construction, which can only be to the benefit of pupils.”

Six months ago the Schools Adjudicator suggested that the move could go ahead earlier. Subject to Cabinet approval this week, public consultation would begin in the Autumn. Following further Cabinet approvals, permission would be sought from the Adjudicator, with a final decision expected by Christmas.

Sue Brown, Head of Schools at Rochdale Council welcomed the proposals, describing them as a sensible solution: “The benefits of bringing this move forward are significant for our young people. Merging in 2010 will enable everyone to work closely together to manage the process and ensure a seamless transition to the superb new building. It will enable staffing and curriculum issues to de addressed in a timely way and will ensure that the educational provision is secure and standards for pupils continue to rise.”