A “new” primary school in Tuebrook could be created as Liverpool Council puts forward plans to combine two existing sites.
In partnership with the Catholic Archdiocese, the local authority is seeking feedback on proposals to amalgamate St Cecilia’s Catholic Infant School and St Cecilia’s Catholic Junior School. If the plans are approved, the new provision would come into effect from January 1, 2024.
The proposals have been put forward following the retirement of Elizabeth van de Waal as headteacher of the infant school after 14 years in post. Philippa Agate, headteacher at the junior school has been leading both sites since March and would become full-time head of the new school under the new proposals.
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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. The amalgamation plan is the latest school transformation project undertaken by the council following its decision to seek to combine Sudley Infants and Juniors in Aigburth as well as Gilmour Infant and Gilmour Junior School in Garston.
In April, the city council’s cabinet signed off on the plans, with a final public consultation held to ratify the new schools, which will come into effect from September 1. The public engagement exercise regarding the Tuebrook schools will run for six weeks, until July 21, with the new cabinet to consider its findings in September.
This will also include assessment by the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees discussing feedback. A further four weeks are given for responses, subject to approval, after statutory notices are published, with cabinet giving its final decision at its December meeting.
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.
Cllr Lila Bennett, cabinet member for employment, educational attainment and skills, 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.”
Full details and how to comment are on Liverpool Council’s website.
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