Balderstone and Springhill schools to close in 2010

The opening of a new foundation school, which will replace Balderstone Technology College and Springhill High School, has been brought forward by three years.

The new school, which will ultimately combine the two schools that are closing at the current Springhill site, will open its doors on 1 September 2010, with Balderstone and Springhill officially closing the day before.

The Council is currently exploring the possibility of obtaining Foundation Trust status for the new school as both Balderstone and Springhill currently have GCSE results below the Government target of 30% of pupils obtaining five A*-C GCSEs, including English and Maths. As a Foundation Trust school, the new school would be eligible for significant funding to improve standards by 2011.

Head of the Council Schools Service, Sue Brown, said: "It is important that the implementation of the proposals begins as soon as possible, so that confidence in the schools is built up at a time of change. The schools themselves are already working together, undertaking joint activities for staff and students. The Authority will work closely with Balderstone and Springhill to secure a smooth transition to the new school in the interests of students, staff and the community."