Bishop Wulstan consultation
After a final plea to the Government minister Lord Adonis was rejected earlier this week, Warwickshire County Council’s Cabinet has with heavy heart agreed to consult with local people on the proposal to close Bishop Wulstan school.
The consultation follows the Government’s decision to reject a ‘Fresh Start’ for Bishop Wulstan School. The DfES turned down the ‘Fresh Start’ proposal on the grounds that it was not viable and would not represent a responsible use of public funding.
An urgent meeting was called on Wednesday to make a final plea to Lord Adonis. A delegation of MP’s Bill Olner and Jeremy Wright were joined by Warwickshire County Councillor John Burton, the headteacher of Bishop Wulstan School, the chair of governors of Bishop Wulstan School and Father Marcus Stock to see if the government would re-think their closure stance.
Cllr John Burton, Cabinet Member for Schools, said “It was clear to us that the minister had no intention of revising his decision or look at any other proposal that might save Bishop Wulston.”
Cross-party politicians joined in one voice as they spoke of their sadness and heavy hearts in having no other option but to agree, unanimously, to consult with local people to close the school. The consultation period will take place from 14 February until 7 March.
Bishop Wulstan School has faced difficulty for some time and there are concerns about the school’s standards and viability. A year ago, Warwickshire County Council recommended a proposal to consult upon closure but it was withdrawn to give the Diocesan Schools Commission the opportunity to pursue other alternatives. The Diocesan Schools Commission brought forward two proposals that made use of key Government initiatives, an Academy and the ‘Fresh Start’ proposal which was endorsed by the County Council. Both proposals were unsuccessful.
Cllr John Burton, Cabinet Member for Schools, said: “We recognise the tremendous effort of the Catholic school community and the Diocesan Schools Commission to explore every possible option for the school’s future. Our main priority is to act in the best interest of the pupils and we are now embarking upon a consultation period to give people the opportunity to express their views. “
Cllr Alan Farnell, Leader of the Council, added: “It is with no pleasure that we support this proposal to consult but clearly options are running out. But even at this stage, if a viable option should emerge, we would consider although this is now looking unlikely.”