Two primary schools are celebrating the news they will not close after a months-long campaign to stay open.
Wirral Council reversed a previous proposal put forward in February 2022 to merge two schools in Bidston with two others in the area.
St Paul’s Catholic Primary School would have been merged with St Peter’s Catholic Primary School in Noctorum and Manor Primary School with Hillside Primary. Both schools are based in Beechwood, one of the poorest places in Wirral.
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Chris Fenna, the headteacher at St Paul’s, said she was "so thrilled" that they have been given the opportunity to continue the great work they do in the community.
One school governor criticised Wirral Council’s handling of the proposal which was described as “ill-conceived." He said the schools had faced “six months of turmoil” due to uncertainty over their future. The plans were opposed by parents, teachers, school governors, MPs, and local councillors.
Pat Landsborough, a governor at Manor Primary said that when the decision was made public, the headteacher called an assembly of the whole school and the children were "over the moon."
She said: "They cheered and I’m glad I wasn’t there or I’d have burst into tears.”
Wirral Council said: “The outcome of the Pupils Place Planning consultation makes clear the significant opposition by the local community to the possibility of amalgamation of the schools within the recommendations from the previous committee report.
“The alternative proposals that have been put forward by the Diocese of Shrewsbury in relation to St Peter’s and St Pauls RC Primary Schools and the alternative proposals put forward by Manor and Hillside Primary Schools have considered the importance of securing the long-term viability of each school and are supportive of positive educational outcomes for young people.”
The consultation found that more than 80% of people opposed the merger in both schools.
Mr Landsborough criticised the council’s handling of the process arguing it should never have gone to consultation saying it was “ill-conceived from the outset.”
He said the schools faced delays in getting information and were given a questionnaire that was “so loaded."
He said: “It’s had a tremendous effect on staff, on our parents, our carers. We have a lot of special needs children in this school and a lot of needs in this area as it’s one of the most deprived areas of the Wirral.
“We should never have been put through this and I would hate to see anybody else, any other community be put through this as it’s been absolute hell.”
Councillor Liz Grey, who opposed the plans along with Cllrs Brian Kelly and Julie McManus, said: “The schools are quietly skipping with joy. It has been a massive nightmare for that community.
“They have been through hell and back to save their schools for the families of the local Beechwood community and the teachers. It wasn’t plain sailing at times but there was fantastic teamwork and I am very proud to have led the campaign by the local councillors.
“It has been mega stressful but worth every bit to know the schools are safe.”
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