Hope, Worthen and Westbury primary schools agree amalgamation consultation

The governing body of the Hope, Worthen and Westbury Primary Schools Federation has agreed to formally consult on the closure of the sites of Hope CE Primary School and St Mary’s CE Primary School, Westbury from September 2017, and to consolidate the three schools on the site of Worthen CE Primary School.

The decision was taken at a governors’ meeting last week.

Sally Johnson, chair of the Federation, said:

“The governors unanimously approved the recommendation at our meeting, after very careful consideration and discussion, as we feel it is the best option for securing good and better education for all our pupils, both now and into the future.”

The governing body received significant advice and input from Shropshire Council officers and the Diocese of Hereford in appraising the options available. Both contributed to the drafting of a report to governors, and fully support the recommendation put forward.

David Minnery, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people, said:

“It is very important to understand that this is not a decision to close the schools, but a decision to consult on the amalgamation of the three schools, requiring the closure of two of the sites and enlarging the provision on the third site to accommodate the displaced pupils.

“A formal and statutory process will be undertaken during the autumn in which the views of all the key stakeholders – in particular parents, pupils and community representatives – will be considered before any final decisions are taken. A consultation document will be produced and public meetings held so that all stakeholders can engage in the process and respond to the proposal.”

Ahead of the formal consultation process the governors, with the support of Shropshire Council officers and the Diocese of Hereford, will meet with parents and community representatives to provide further background to the decision, to outline the next steps and to answer any immediate questions.

Separate meetings are being arranged for each school, and letters have been sent to parents to advise them of the governors’ decision.