TIME has finally been called on Croxteth Comprehensive School.

After months of debate, members of Liverpool City Council’s executive board have voted to close the school, as planned, in 2010.

Close to tears, headteacher Richard Baker said he was “bitterly disappointed” and “couldn’t believe the council had forsaken the needs of the local community.”

He was given the opportunity to address the council a final time on Friday and asked them to give the school a chance so it can become a National Challenge Trust School Partnership.

Addressing the council’s main reasons for closure under the city-wide £485m Building Schools for the Future scheme – falling pupils numbers and poor academic standards – Mr Baker said the school had only lost 11 students during the last two uncertain years.

He agreed school roles were falling nationally but said the school was showing huge improvements and could improve further.

But Stuart Smith, executive director of childrens services, said there was no financial viability of a small “studio” or trust school and said the plans were fruitless.

He said: “We have been planning BSF for almost three years and for the past year we have debated and looked at all sorts of issues around Croxteth Community Comprehensive. But it comes down to one thing, falling roles and standards at the school. Altering plans doesn’t make it viable if you don’t have enough pupils.

Later Mr Baker, said: “What worries me is that this is all based on theory, using predictions that don’t take into account the wishes of the parents at the school and the different reactions of parents who are thinking of sending their children to us.

“The council doesn’t understand what’s happening on the ground and what this will do to community cohesion. I can’t believe they’ve forsaken local knowledge and the needs of the community.”

The approved plans will see the school 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.

Nicky Madden, who set up campaign group Parents Against Closure (PAC) said: “This decision will lead to increased segregation and fragmentation for children in the community.”

The school now plans to pursue legal avenues to try and avert the closure.