Four South Liverpool schools are to become two combined provisions following a community consultation.
Liverpool Council is seeking to move ahead with plans to amalgamate Sudley Infant and Sudley Junior schools in Aigburth as well as Gilmour Infant and Gilmour Junior School in Garston. Subject to cabinet approval, the local authority will launch statutory proposals to discontinue the existing schools to create two new sites from September 1.
As Ruth Thomas, headteacher at Sudley Infants, tendered her resignation in December and Jayne Hathaway, Gilmour Infants’ head taking the decision to retire at the same time, the city council explored the possibility of merging the four schools into two new primaries. The two Aigburth schools sit just 1,500 feet apart with Sudley Infants providing education for four to seven year olds and Sudley Juniors catering for those seven to 11. Less than half a mile divides the two facilities in Garston.
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The new Sudley provision would provide education for 840 pupils with an admission number of 120. A further 630 pupils will attend the new Gilmour school alongside its nursery class which can accommodate 26 children.
Consultation meetings have been held at each of the existing schools with staff and parents outlining their views on the proposals. Documents accompanying the cabinet report ahead of its meeting next week said a main concern raised by all respondents was the timescale for decision making.
Further concerns were raised about the move being seen as a money saving exercise by the council and the potential of a larger school impacting pupil performance. The local authority said by bringing the schools together as one, it would deliver “continuity of education” which would ensure in most circumstances their child would not have to get to know another school, staff or policies.
The response added: “The relationship between pupils, parents and the school can be built up over a longer period of time; better understanding of the needs of each child. Delivering a seamless and supportive transition from infant to junior school for children and their families.”
In publishing the proposals, a change management group will be formed across the schools which will be composed of officers from school organisation, finance, human resources, school improvement and governor services to ensure there is a smooth transition. Upon cabinet agreement, a four week consultation on the proposals will also be launched for interested parties to have their say.
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