More than 30 parents have signed a petition calling for the proposed merger of two Highbridge schools to be halted.
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, says the council, although a 33-name petition has been presented to the council in opposition.
The County Council’s Cabinet meets this Wednesday (September 16th) to discuss the outcome of a statutory consultation on the proposals.
If approved, the schools would merge with effect from September 2010 to form a new primary school for children aged four to eleven.
If the proposals get the ‘thumbs up’ this week, there will follow a six-week period of representation, which will be the final opportunity for anyone to make their views known.
Somerset County Council has said that 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.
David Taylor, Corporate Director of Children’s Services told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “There are very positive reasons for bringing these two successful schools together. However, it is important that we formally consult so the scheme has backing from parents, teachers, students and the wider community.”
