A PROPOSED amalgamation of two North Yorkshire schools will no longer be put forward for approval after one of the schools pulls out over “risks.”
The governing bodies of Grove Road Community Primary and Woodfield Community Primary explored combining the two schools in order to share the benefit of both school sites.
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This would mean that Woodfield School would technically close and become part of Grove Road in September.
North Yorkshire County Council said an extensive consultation followed which involved public meetings and gathering the views of parents and the local community.
However, Grove Road Community has said it has withdrawn its support for the amalgamation due to the process carrying “risks.”
The school governing body said they “must priorities the future of Grove Road School” and they no longer “support the proposed amalgamation.”
It said: “When first approached about the amalgamation the leadership and governors could see the potential benefits of the proposal for the communities of both schools and were supportive of the consultation. However, a change of such significance also carries risk.
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“During the consultation period we have monitored factors such as the level of support for the proposal and the likely demand for school places.
“Ultimately, the Governing Board have concluded that we must prioritise the future of Grove Road School and so, sadly, we can no longer support the proposed amalgamation.”
The governing body of Woodfield School said they were “saddened to hear” about the decision and that it “has been a difficult time for Woodfield School.”
It added: “We were very hopeful that a satisfactory conclusion could found for the future of the school.
“The school, staff, parents, and governors need a time of reflection before we make any decisions regarding the school’s future.
“We will continue to consult with North Yorkshire County Council regarding any future decisions.’’
North Yorkshire County Council’s Director of Children and Young People Services, Stuart Carlton, said the council “fully understand” why Grove Road made the decision.
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He said: “Any proposal to expand a school onto an additional site is a significant change with challenges that should not be underestimated.
“So, while we are disappointed the proposal is no longer supported, we fully understand why Grove Road governors now have that view.
“I would like to thank the leadership and governors of both schools for their efforts in working with us on this amalgamation proposal.”
He added that the council will need to work alongside the Department for Education and governers at Woodfield Primary to “re-consider the position for the school over the coming weeks before we are able to comment further.”
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The consultation period has now closed and the County Council’s Executive will consider a report on April 19 that will recommend that this amalgamation proposal should not proceed further.
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