Future still not secured for threatened schools

4:00pm Thursday 24th April 2008

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SCHOOLS in Herefordshire are being urged to look to their own futures and plan ahead during the next three years, - or face possible closure, merger or cash shortfalls afterwards.

An independent report by academic Dr Peter Boden has revealed that Herefordshire Council's predictions of falling pupil numbers over the next ten years were accurate.

Earlier this year proposals to merge Eastnor and Bosbury primary schools and shut the Queen Elizabeth High School at Bromyard led to public outcry.

Herefordshire Council shelved the plans and pledged that none of the proposals would be considered in the life of the present administration, until May 2011.

But council leader, Cllr Roger Phillips warned this week: "Reduced pupils numbers means less cash for schools."

This is because schools are currently funded per head.

He continued: "We want to encourage schools to work together creatively and with us."

Herefordshire Council press spokesman Robert Blower said the authority could offer no cast iron guarantees after 2011.

He explained: "A new administration might say it needs to save money and look at school closures."

He continued: "Schools need to put in strategies now to help them to prosper in the future."

One idea could be a federation' arrangement between some schools.

Mr Blower said: "For instance, two schools might both stay open but share some resources."

Schools will also be encouraged to open their facilities more to the general community, such as becoming bases for paying clubs.

Lois Owen of the Save Eastnor Action Group said: "There is a breathing space, but It's true we can't rest on our laurels just because nothing will happen for the next three years.

"We want to improve and keep our lovely school and be well positioned."