One of the oldest schools in Southport will close, it was announced tonight.
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.
The 152 year old school first opened its doors to pupils in 1869.
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”.
St Teresa’s Catholic Infant and Nursery School in Birkdale was founded in 1869 as the parish school for St Joseph’s Parish. St Teresa’s Church was built later, next to the school.
Links between parish, school and local community have remained very close.
The 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 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 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
