Concerns raised over plans to merge schools

9:40am Wednesday 20th February 2008

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By David Paine »

CONCERNS have been raised about proposals to merge two schools in Worcester.

Parents and governors have been told amalgamating Northwick Manor infant and junior schools could benefit pupils, but reservations have been voiced about that idea because both schools are already performing well.

At the public meeting at the junior school in Northwick Road, some of the 60 people who attended said they were worried because they had not seen any in-depth plans showing how the merger would work in practical terms.

Ben Lewin, chairman of governors at the infant school, which has been largely opposed to the amalgamation, said "small schools benefit small children" and called for "evolution not revolution". "We haven't had a significant explanation as to how the buildings would work as one school," he said.

"It doesn't feel comfortable making a decision when there might be some practical problems. Will there be a single hall large enough for the whole school to congregate in and a staff room for all of the teachers? We haven't seen any evidence here these two things could be secured for a whole new school."

Worcestershire County Council's service development manager for school systems, Alison Cartwright, who has been leading on the merger, said about £1 million has been set aside to go towards the amalgamation, but conceded there are no plans to build one big hall on the site. City councillor Andy Roberts, who is chairman of the governors at the junior school, said after much consideration his school has decided to support the proposals because they believe a single site will bring more opportunities for both staff and students.

He also said he believed the amalgamation could act as a catalyst to the new school in obtaining an "outstanding" Ofsted report.

However, city councillor Sue Askin, who is an infant school governor said: "We have got two excellent schools here. They perform well and receive glowing Ofsted reports. If it aint broke, why fix it?"

We previously reported in your Worcester News how a consultation on the merger last year received 103 responses - 71 were in opposition and 23 were in favour, while three did not state a preference.

However, those who spoke at Monday's meeting, organised by the Office of the Schools Adjudicator, said they would work hard to make both schools prosper, whatever the final decision. If it goes ahead, the amalgamation, proposed to start in September, will create Worcester's largest primary school with about 600 children.

A decision by the Office of the Schools Adjudicator is expected to be made in about two weeks time.