FUTURE OF BURNHOLME SCHOOL SECURED (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

FUTURE OF BURNHOLME SCHOOL SECURED

July 17, 2009 12:00 AM

The future of Burnholme Community College has been secured following the announcement today that the Liberal Democrat Council Executive are set to back a plan to keep the school open.

The school had been under pressure as falling pupil numbers put a strain on school finances.

A plan to maintain and increase pupil numbers at the school has been put in place, building on the school's recent good Ofsted inspection.

In the meantime the Schools Forum has agreed to continue the subsidy for small schools that is already in place from the Schools Grant and in addition the Liberal Democrat Executive will agree to write off the existing deficit of £121,000 when they meet on Tuesday.

Councillor Runciman said, "The financial support recognises the school's exceptional circumstances at this time. Both the Local Authority and Ofsted recognise that Burnholme provides a good education and a valuable service to the local community."

Councillor Runciman said work had been ongoing for some time to find a solution to the schools problems. She said, ""We had always been receptive to a proposal to keep the school open, but needed to be sure that the business case was thoroughly tested before indicating that this was the path that we were recommending because it would have to be a firm commitment to the school and community."

"Now the challenge is to get local parents to send their children to the school as only higher pupil numbers can make the school truly sustainable for the long term."

She said, "For 60 years, Burnholme has given good service to the young people of our community and their families. I was glad to be able to come to their recent celebrations. Now I am delighted that the school will stay at the centre of the community and can carry on providing a high standard of education."

"This is a great school and the Head Teacher and his staff do a marvellous job for the young people who come here. They are totally committed to helping their students develop to their full potential and I am very proud of what they have achieved. I hope that they continue to succeed in their work."

"Liberal Democrats believe that there should be a good school in every community serving local children. That is just what Burnholme does and it makes an important contribution to education both here in this community and in our city. I wish the school, its staff and students every success for the future."

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Nigel Ayre said he was delighted that the work to secure the future of the school had paid off. He said, "There has been work going on in the background to secure the future of the school for many years. I have been in frequent contact with Carol and council officers about this and I would like to thank them for all the work they have put in to ensure the school continues to provide good quality education to local people."

The Executive will meet to make a formal decision on the issue on Tuesday 21st July at 2pm.