Cabinet give assurance over numbers at Holy Family

Councillor Peter Rush

Heywood Councillor Peter Rush has welcomed an assurance that the Council will support 750 places at the new Holy Family joint faith school in Heywood if pupil numbers exceed agreed numbers. The Council’s Cabinet made the assurance at a meeting at Rochdale Town Hall.

Councillor Peter Rush said: “I know that some people have been concerned and even claimed that the Council was trying to restrict numbers at the school to 600. This is not the case and I am pleased that the Council will back the school and provide the resources if 750 children apply.

"We are making history in Heywood with the first school of its type in the country. We are proud that we are taking this path that will have a major impact on education for the children of Heywood.

"I would hope that the assurance that we have received tonight will placate the worries. I will certainly be making sure that the Council follow this through and give our historic school the best possible chance with the highest possible rolls.

“The results at St Joseph's are near the top for the Borough and I am certain that with the state of the art facilities we will provide that this will improve even more.

"Heywood deserves the best and I am pleased that we will be delivering this.

"Now that this assurance is on public record, I would hope that those who have doubted us will now join me in ensuring that this new school will make a real difference to educational attainment in Heywood.”

Councillor Irene Davidson, the Council’s Education Protfolio Holder, said: “If pupils numbers of up to 750 are required then the resources will be available. I am happy to set the record straight once and for all and give a cast iron guarantee that we support the groundbreaking new school in Heywood.

"This week, the NUT have been calling into question faith schools and their role in the community. Well, this Council fully supports them and will continue to do so.

"I have no doubt that this school will be a huge success and we will be holding this up as an example of good practice throughout the country.”