Balderstone and Springhill school merger could come in 2010

The setting up of a new secondary school to replace Balderstone Technology College and Springhill High School could happen sooner than originally planned under proposals put forward for consultation by Rochdale Council.

The council already has approval to close the two schools and open a new foundation school in September 2013, but now it wants to do this in September 2010, three years ahead of schedule.

Council Cabinet member for Children, Schools and Families, Councillor Irene Davidson said: “We are looking at bringing the merger date forward as we believe this will be in the best interests of students and staff at both schools, and help to maintain standards of education. This approach was also recommended by the schools adjudicator and we are now keen to see what local people think before a final decision is made.”

The Council believes that an early amalgamation would ease the transition process by allowing the schools to operate as a single entity, across two sites to begin with, for a year before the major investment in new buildings and facilities takes place on the Springhill site.

There will now be a six week consultation period. Students, parents, staff and governors are to be asked for their views in the next few weeks.

Full details of the consultation can be found on the Council website under “Get Involved” or via www.rochdale.gov.uk/yourviews

The deadline for comments is Monday 20 October.