Sefton School Closures

SEFTON Council, ostensibly logically, has decided upon a major re-organisation of its educational system. As are local authorities all over Britain, it is faced with falling pupil rolls and over-capacity in some schools. This is largely because of lower birth rates, but it should be remembered that these could start to rise again. Sefton's intention is stated to be "achieving the best possible opportunities for pupils, as well as the best facilities and equipment."

This seems very laudable, but some of the eleven schools on the list for closure, announced on 17 June, come as a shock. For example, St Theresa's Catholic Infants School in Southport, which is only twelve years old, has an excellent reputation, and has had glowing Ofsted reports. Other small schools have found themselves on the list, including Holy Trinity Primary School, Formby, Shoreside in Southport and David Sheppard is now subject to review. Why is bigger always regarded as more beautiful? Surely, if a school is patently during well at its job, it should be encouraged, not closed? The futures of another sixteen schools are also under review by the education authorities. 

Parents and the public in general seem ill-informed, and somewhat shell shocked. "One might have anticipated the closure of some of the less successful schools, rather than picking on the good" was a typical comment. Another questioned, "Is it the land they are after?", perhaps a reference to the selling off of school playing fields.

Perhaps, when it is seen how the benefits that ensue from the closures will be distributed for the advantage of all, people will be convinced. Until then, strong resistance seems assured.

Vicar of Holy Trinity, Southport, 25th Anniversary.

ON Sunday 4th July the Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Hoghton Street, Southport celebrates the 25th Anniversary of his ordination as a priest in the Church of England.  There will be a service of Celebration and Thanksgiving at Holy Trinity at 10:15am on that day.

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~HAPPY BIRTHDAY~

IF you have some one you want to say happy birthday to for free, then use this email address & send the names to us:- birthdays@southportreporter.com

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