Purpose

The Cabinet Member for Children and Public
Protection will consider whether to proceed with the amalgamation
of the schools.

Decision

Summary of Decision: The Cabinet Member
for Children and Public Protection has taken the decision to
approve proceeding with plans for the amalgamation of Our Lady of
Dolours Catholic Primary School and St Mary of the Angels Catholic
Primary School to take effect from the 1st September
2025. 
 
Reason for Decision: The two schools do
not have enough children to fill the current two forms of entry
from September 2025, with vacancies across all year groups. The
decline in pupil numbers challenges the financial stability of the
schools, both of which are in deficit, as funding is allocated on a
per-pupil basis. The joining of the schools will provide pupils
with a full and enriched curriculum as the school will be fully
subscribed and fully funded per pupil.  The governors of both
schools are clear that now is the right time to move to becoming a
single primary school to secure sustainable and high-quality
education for our children now and into the
future.