Schools face closure for academy

Birkenhead MP Frank Field says it is an exciting proposal

Two Wirral secondary schools could be closed to make way for a new academy, the borough council has revealed.

The plan for a £30m "super school" in Birkenhead is in response to falling pupil numbers at the Rock Ferry and Park High Schools.

A site for the new school is yet to be decided, although it would be well placed for both sets of pupils.

Wirral Council's cabinet will discuss the plans next month before a consultation with parents.

Figures suggest that by 2013 both Rock Ferry and Park High School could be running at more than half of their capacities.

Councillors say the new school would offer education facilities to rival the best schools in the country and primarily serve communities in south and central Birkenhead.

'Boost aspirations'

The head teachers of both existing schools have welcomed the announcement, saying the new school would offers their pupils a fantastic education.

Councillor Phil Davies, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "The proposal is huge news for the area with £30 million of investment to give youngsters from Birkenhead the very best opportunities in the years ahead.

"We hope it will drive up aspirations, standards and achievement, setting the benchmark for what can be achieved in urban communities."

Frank Field, Labour MP for Birkenhead, said it was the most exciting proposal that the town had been given in his 30 years as MP.

"Future generations will condemn us rightly if we don't grab these proposals with both hands and I'm pleased that the Council have already begun to develop them."

Wirral Council's cabinet will discuss the issue at a meeting on 6 November.

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