The proposed merger of two Highbridge schools moved a step closer on Wednesday (September 16th) when the County Council’s Cabinet gave its thumbs-up to the plans.
As first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com in April, proposals to amalgamate Beechfield Infants School and St John’s Church of England Junior School are being considered by Somerset County Council.
The plans have generally received positive feedback, although a 33-name petition has been presented to the council in opposition – as reported here on Tuesday.
County Council spokeswoman Elizabeth Kulh told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The Cabinet approved the formal publication of linked proposals to amalgamate Beechfield Community Infants and St John’s CE VC Junior Schools with effect from 1st September 2010. Statutory notices will now be issued in accordance with government regulations.”
A six-week period of representation, which will be the final opportunity for members of the public to make their views known, will now follow.
Somerset County Council has said amalgamating the schools is an opportunity for major improvement works to be made to buildings at the site.
The two schools, both of which are already working well, would need approval from Somerset County Council’s Cabinet and the Diocesan Board of Education for the amalgamation to take place. A final decision will be made in December this year.
