CAMPAIGNERS trying to save Croxteth Comprehensive have made a last-ditch attempt to save the school from closure after winning support from a Liverpool university.

Liverpool City Council’s executive board will make their final decision on the fate of the school this Friday.

John Moores University (JMU) have agreed to work with the school and help them become a National Challenge Trust School Partnership.

The commitment from the university is the latest development in the community campus idea proposed by the school five years ago.

JMU will help with the delivery of the national curriculum and staff development. Headteacher Richard Baker put forward a revised extended campus proposal last month, in partnership with Rathbone Investment, four feeder primary schools and Alt Valley Trust learning centre.

Rathbone Investment, who already work with the school, have offered £20,000 funding to help them develop the idea of a Trust School Partnership.

They have also had verbal support from Liverpool Primary School Trust to link with the school and improve the health, social and mental well-being of pupils.

Mr Baker said: “We are hoping to convince the council of our argument to defer the decision on closing Croxteth Comprehensive for two years.

“They are running out of time to make a decision. We don’t think the trust idea is too little, too late, there is huge support for this proposal.”

Council chiefs say the closure is necessary due to falling pupil numbers and low standards compared to other city schools. Under the council’s plans, the school will close in 2010, St John Bosco will be refurbished and De La Salle Catholic Humanities College will be turned into a £20m Catholic boys academy.

Phil Knibb, chairman of governors said: “Closing the school is no solution for Croxteth and Norris Green.”

The council has declined to comment ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, but education chiefs have warned any alterations at this late stage and failure to convince the Government of them, could jeopardise the entire Building Schools for the Future scheme.

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