LIVERPOOL City Council has today launched a consultation to create a “new” primary school.
In partnership with the Catholic Archdiocese, the council is asking for feedback on proposals to amalgamate St Cecilia’s Catholic Infant School and St Cecilia’s Catholic Junior School, both in Tuebrook, which, if approved, would come into effect from 1 January 2024.
The consultation will run for six weeks, until 21 July, with the council’s Cabinet set to consider the proposals at its September meeting, following the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees discussing feedback. If Cabinet agrees the proposals there will be a further four weeks given for responses, after statutory notices are published, with Cabinet giving its final decision at its December meeting.
The opportunity to amalgamate has arisen following the retirement of the infant school’s head teacher earlier this year. The junior school’s head teacher is currently leading both sites and would become the primary head under the proposals. The schools already share a board of governors.
If plans are approved the school would continue to operate from both sites, on Green Lane and Snaefell Avenue, with places for 420 pupils and 52 (full-time equivalent) places in the nursery class. All pupils currently at the schools are ensured of a place at the “new” school.
Council officers will be engaging directly with staff, governors and parents and carers, and there will also be opportunities to attend face-to-face sessions.
Anyone in the wider community who is not contacted directly is also welcome to send feedback.
Full details and how to comment are on the consultation webpages.
Cabinet member for Employment, Educational Attainment and Skills Cllr Lila Bennett said:
“Earlier this year, there were successful consultations for the infant and junior amalgamations that will create Gilmour and Sudley Primary Schools.
“The retirement of the head teacher at St Cecilia’s Infant School is also a natural opportunity to explore a third amalgamation.
“There are many benefits to creating an all-through primary school. They offer continuity of education for pupils and allow better tracking of learning for teachers. It also means that parents and carers do not have to re-apply for school places.
“As always, no decisions will be made until we have fully consulted all stakeholders so please share your feedback on proposals.”