Schools Adjudicator
The Schools Adjudicator has published his decision on the council’s proposals to create a 6th form, enlarge St Ambrose Barlow Catholic High School and to discontinue St George’s Catholic High School.
The adjudicator, Canon Richard Lindley, approved the proposal to create a 6th form at St Ambrose Barlow School but has changed the implementation date to 1 September 2012. He has not approved the proposals to enlarge St Ambrose Barlow School from 1 September 2012 or to close St George’s High School from 31 August 2012.
This decision will impact on Salford’s Building Schools for the Future programme and the adjudicator has asked for alternative options to be considered. He wishes the council to consider retaining St George’s High School and relocating it in the adjoining Harrop Fold High School premises.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor John Merry, and the Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor John Warmisham say: “We remain committed to working with our partners and stakeholders. We will do our utmost to ensure that we not allow the opportunities presented by the Building Schools for the Future programme to be lost.”
The council’s Cabinet last month approved the final business case for the Building Schools for the Future programme, agreeing that Phase 1 (involving the rebuilding of Walkden High and Irlam & Cadishead Community High Schools) can proceed with both schools opening in September 2011.
The Cabinet further decided that Phase 2 of the programme would involve the closure and replacement of The Swinton and Moorside High Schools with one new school opening in September 2012, and the move of the Oasis Academy to a new site at the Quays in 2012.
The next steps for the council will be to review the plans for the remainder of the schools’ estate including All Hallows RC, St Ambrose Barlow RC, St George’s RC, St Patrick’s RC and Wentworth High Schools. This process will begin as soon as possible but it is recognised that there will now be a delay in the completion of the programme as a whole.
This page was last updated on 6 November 2009
