Plans for £30m Wirral Superschool revealed (From Wirral Globe)

Plans for £30m Wirral Superschool revealed

11:41am Wednesday 8th October 2008 in Search By Craig Manning

PLANS for a £30m superschool will be discussed by Wirral's cabinet committee next month, following the recommendation of a Government report.

A site for the academy, which would primarily serve students from Rock Ferry High School and Park High School with educational facilities rivalling the top schools in the country, has yet to be decided but the council says it would be well placed for both sets of pupils.

Once built, it will primarily serve communities in south and central Birkenhead. The council and the Government both say they are committed to improving the quality of secondary school provision for pupils in north Birkenhead.

Wirral's cabinet will meet on November 6 to discuss the proposal, following which there will be a period of consultation with key stakeholders.

Park High headteacher Steve McMahon said: "This is the very best news for students and the wider community of Birkenhead, Wirral and beyond. Our school has a long and proud tradition and, in recent years, we have been increasingly successful.

"I see the academy proposal as a fantastic reward for all our hard work and achievements and, through this move, Birkenhead would secure one of the very best schools in the country."

Peter Bennett, headteacher of Rock Ferry High School, said: "Under these proposals, Rock Ferry High School pupils will continue to enjoy a first rate education.

"The size of the investment will offer incredible opportunities, both to pupils and to staff. Only the best is good enough for the pupils of Rock Ferry High School.

"The new superschool would be second to none. It would offer the finest facilities available in the country and the best possible educational opportunities. I believe the proposal is richly deserved by our pupils and would transform education in Birkenhead."

Birkenhead MP Frank Field said: "It's the most exciting proposal that has come Birkenhead's way in my 30 years as MP.

"Future generations will condemn us rightly if we don't grab these proposals with both hands and I'm pleased that the Council have already begun to develop them."

Councillor Phil Davies, cabinet member for children's services and lifelong learning, added: "The proposal is huge news for the area with £30 million of investment to give youngsters from Birkenhead the very best opportunities in the years ahead.

"We hope it will drive up aspirations, standards and achievement, setting the benchmark for what can be achieved in urban communities."