Wigan welcomes plans for first catholic...

Proposals to amalgamate two Leigh primary schools to create Wigan’s first Catholic community school have been welcomed by the parents, governors and staff.

Plans have been revealed by Wigan Council to consult on amalgamating Higher Folds Primary with St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary to create a new 1.5 form entry school that would serve the needs of the whole Higher Folds community.

Joint working arrangements have been in place since May 2007 and the arrangements have worked so successfully that the governing bodies have agreed that the amalgamation of both schools is the next logical step.

The Senior Management Team representing both schools says: “The concept of a catholic school for the community is new to the Wigan borough. However, it has been successfully adopted by other local authorities and we see it as a unique opportunity to meet the needs of all children in the Higher Folds community.”

“The Key Stage Two SATs results from both schools last year were some of the best ever. Both schools are obviously benefitting from the partnership. The strength we have achieved so far from working together gives us a platform to take our pupils’ learning experiences even further.”

Falling pupil numbers in recent years has meant that neither school is full. The plans are seen as a positive move forward and the best way of securing viable, sustainable and high quality educational provision for present and future pupils.

The Governing bodies of both Higher Folds and St Gabriel’s have written to parents to reassure them that pupils will not experience any significant changes to their learning experience in the immediate future.

If the plans go ahead, the new school will continue to operate from split sites until detailed plans for future operations have been agreed.

Cabinet Champion for Children and Young People, Cllr Susan Loudon says:

“The collaborative arrangements currently in place are working very well and have provided stability of leadership that has allowed both schools to thrive.”

“Recent OFSTED reports have commended both schools on their achievements and I believe a merger between these schools can only be a positive thing. It will enable both schools to consolidate their achievements, share their expertise and build upon the success they have achieved so far.”