WIRRAL’S secondary schools are about to face upheavals following a massive review of primary schools across the borough.
Fears are growing that some schools have been earmarked for possible closure.
Insiders claim Oldershaw school in Wallasey and Rock Ferry High school are under threat, and it is understood plans have been suggested to merge Pensby boys and girls schools.
Last night, the council denied any official proposals had been put forward.
But Wirral’s cabinet member for education, Cllr Phil Davies, confirmed a review had long been planned because of falling pupil numbers that have already hit primary schools.
He said the process was at an early stage and he was “not aware of any proposals on the table yet”.
He said: “We have always said we will embark on the review, due to falling rolls in the primary sector feeding through to secondary.”
Sources say Oldershaw, Rock Ferry and the two Pensby schools have been mooted for possible closure or merger, at private meetings.
Mr Davies said: “There is nothing public produced yet.
“As in the primary reviews we have to look at secondary schools in the round.”
He said the review would begin this autumn and firm proposals would be put forward next year. Opposition is already growing to any potential closures, and Wallasey councillor Leah Fraser launched a stinging attack on what she believes are decisions being made before proper consultation has begun.
She said: “It seems that closing primary schools was only the start of the council grand plan.
“Oldershaw is Wirral’s ‘most improved school’ according to Ofsted and I think many people in Wallasey will be shocked and appalled to hear that the council is considering closure.
“Should the council be daft enough to proceed with the idea, I can guarantee they’ll have a fight on their hands.”
The latest primary school review decided that because of falling pupil numbers Poulton primary in Wallasey, Pensby Park primary, Pensby infants and Pensby juniors would shut, with the three in Pensby replaced by a new community primary school .
There are also proposals to close Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic primary school in Leasowe and replace it with Wirral’s first joint denominational school.
The council is in the third year of a four-year programme reviewing primary school places in Wirral to make sure surplus places stay under 10%, as low birth rates mean there are fewer children to fill school places.
A council spokeswoman said: “It would be quite wrong to suggest that any secondary schools have been identified for closure at this time.
“This completely unfounded speculation will cause unnecessary distress to parents, pupils and staff.”
