Four south Liverpool schools could be merged into two single facilities under new plans.
A consultation has been launched on the future of Sudley Infant School and Sudley Junior School in Aigburth, as well Gilmour Infant and Gilmour Junior School in Garston, to discontinue them as separate locations and develop two new facilities called Sudley Primary School and Gilmour Primary School from September this year. With Ruth Thomas, headteacher at Sudley Infants, tendering her resignation in December and Jayne Hathaway, Gilmour Infants’ head taking the decision to retire at the same time, Liverpool Council is now exploring merging the four schools into two new primaries.
The two Aigburth schools sit just 1,500 feet apart with Sudley Infants providing education for four to seven year olds and Sudley Juniors catering for those seven to 11. Less than half a mile divide the two facilities in Garston.
READ MORE: One dead and another injured as e-bike battery catches fire
All parents would be offered a place for their child at the new schools but would be free to send them anywhere else with places available, according to a consultation document made public by Liverpool Council. It said: “A single school at the heart of the local community would offer a consistent vision and ethos to benefit pupils, staff, parents and carers.
“If the amalgamations happen, the separate sites would continue and the head teacher of the junior school would become the head teacher of the amalgamated primary school.” The document, which can be accessed through the local authority website, said there was a “strong educational rationale for amalgamating separate infant and junior schools and many such separate schools have now amalgamated successfully.”
Stating the benefits of the moves, the document said by bringing the schools together, continuity of education would ensure that parents do not have to re-assess their choice of school or get to know another school, its staff and policies only three or four years after their child has started school. According to the January 2022 census, 623 pupils attended both Gilmour schools while a further 773 were on the roll in Aigburth across both sites.
The consultation on the moves will run from today until February 25. Feedback from the consultation will be considered by the council’s cabinet in May with formal proposals to follow.
A decision would be published in July this year with closure of the schools earmarked for August 31. The two proposed primary schools would then open on September 1.
Cllr Rob McAllister-Bell, who represents the Mossley Hill ward where Sudley Infants and Junior Schools are located, said there was reservation in the community about the move. He said: “From residents’ point of view there’s a bit of apprehension, particularly among the people I’ve spoken to
“It could be an opportunity but ultimately it is to do with the capacity available.” Consultation meetings have been arranged at both schools, with sessions being held at Sudley Junior School on Tuesday 17 to Wednesday January 18, Gilmour Infants on Thursday January 19.
Gilmour Junior School is holding drop ins on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday January 25, while Sudley Infant School will stage meetings on Thursday January 26.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Read next:
Schoolgirl kicked and punched in head in sickening attack at party
Tempers flare in court as boy, 14, found guilty of murdering teen
Man's chance meeting with woman on night out ruined his entire life
Heartbreak as 'caring soul' mum and radio presenter dies
Liverpool woman travels two hours to buy Prime drink for £100 at Wakey Wines
