Local people have revealed their sadness after the closure of a Southport school which has been teaching generations of local families for the past 152 years.
St Teresa’s Catholic Infant and Nursery School in Birkdale was founded in 1869. St Teresa’s Church was built later, next to the school. Links between parish, school and local community have remained very close.
Sefton Council announced tonight that the school will close, after a campaign to keep the doors open proved fruitless.
Speaking in the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, Fiona Kirkham said: “My mother taught there for many years and ended her career as Head Mistress. That was a long time ago and they were trying to close it then. Such a shame. Was a lovely local community school.”
Nicola Sweet said: “It is such a sad sad day that we are reading this news. My boys loved the school and were so sad to leave. My heart goes out to the teachers, current pupils and their families who are being affected by this closure!! Also for those potential future families who will miss out on a small school experience with a big heart in the heart of Birkdale village.”
Eileen Cromwell said: “Apart from two of our siblings, all 13 of us went there, and we all grew up with respect.”
Kathleen Williams said: “Very sad to hear this, so many people have worked very hard to keep the school open.”
Marie Rowan said: “That is such a shame! Many happy memories there.”
Angie Howard said: “Sad news – such a lovely school.”
Annette Moore said: “I’m both sad and mad, I wish the Girl Guides and the Scouts could take it over..what a waste of a building and its history.”
Anne Dodgson said: “They were brilliant with both of my Children. Very sad day.”
In line with a request from the school’s Governing Body, Sefton Council is starting procedures to propose the closure of St Teresa’s Catholic Infant and Nursery School in Birkdale.
After being advised by the Governing Body that they have exhausted all options available to increase pupil numbers, the local authority has agreed to consider instigating the procedure for closing the facility.
To avoid any speculation or rumour, the school’s headteacher has written to all pupils’ families and has held a meeting with all staff.
An announcement will also be made to parishioners at St Teresa’s R C Church on Sunday.
The letter tells parents that Sefton Council will progress the matter at the next Cabinet meeting, which will be held on Thursday 4th November.
St Teresa’s was given a Good rating in its last Ofsted inspection, with Lead Inspector Sheila Iwaskow saying that teaching staff had “improved the school beyond recognition”.
Last year, St Teresa’s had faced questions over its viability from Sefton Council, with a funding deficit of £50,000 forecast to grow to £200,000 this year unless they could quickly increase pupil numbers.
But after listening to the school’s plans for the future, councillors on Sefton’s Cabinet committee gave their backing for St Teresa’s to try to grow pupil numbers and reverse its budget decline.
Their efforts have unfortunately proved unsuccessful.
St Teresa’s Catholic Infant and Nursery School has had quite a varied history, at one time having three schools operating on the site at the same time with over 500 pupils.
During the World War Two war years the pupils spent only half the day on site since it had to share the building with the evacuees from St Joan’s in Bootle.
St Teresa’s rejoices in its long tradition but prides itself on being a friendly, child-centred school, with excellent standards and a forward-looking staff.
“A modern school in a lovely Victorian building” was how one Ofsted inspector phrased it.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
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