Shropshire Council’s Cabinet today agreed to begin consultation on proposals to change the current structure of schools in the county. 

This is the latest round in an extensive process of consultation looking at the future of education in Shropshire. In recent months consultation has taken place to give schools, their communities and partners the opportunity to look further at the challenges in their local areas and to consider possible solutions. They have discussed a variety of possible ways in which to move towards improved and more efficient education in the county. 

The meetings included chairs of governors, headteachers, diocesan directors of education and elected members because they know their own areas and the challenges best. 

The meetings follow four months of far-reaching consultation on a vision and policy for education in Shropshire which included listening to, and taking account of, the views of young people, schools, governors, headteachers, parents and the wider community. 

Councillor Aggie Caesar-Homden, Cabinet member for children and young people’s services said: “I want to stress that these proposals are not simply about closing schools, this is about providing solutions for the long term that aim to provide excellent education for years to come. This has been a cross-party project, with all political parties working together to ensure that we have a sustainable network of schools, providing first class education for all of our children. 

“This round of consultation will continue to give parents, carers, schools, children, young people and everyone involved, the opportunity to have their say and come up with other viable, long term solutions. We are here to listen to what people have to say; no decisions have been made on the future of these schools, but I must make it clear that no change is not an option. We need to address issues such as falling pupil numbers, decreasing funding and the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff. 

“I encourage everyone to get involved and let us have their views and ideas about these proposals; they can email, write, or attend one of the public consultation meetings that are being set up to discuss each proposal.” 

The consultation on proposals will start on 28 February 2011 and will last for six term-time weeks in accordance with Government guidelines. 

Earlier today protestors gathered at Shirehall in Shrewsbury to show their upset at plans. Parents, pupils, teachers, grandparents and school governors all gathered at the Shropshire Council headquarters. 

Those attending carried placards and banners. A number of pupils from the Wakeman School in Shrewsbury town centre also walked along Abbey Foregate to Shirehall for the protest. 

Schools set for closure before 2013 in the proposals include:
– Ifton Heath Primary School (to merge with Rhyn Park)
– Shawbury Primary School (to merge with St Mary’s on the site of Shawbury Primary School)
– Barrow C of E School, Broseley
– Hopton Wafers CE (Controlled) Primary School (pupils will be offered places at Cleobury Mortimer)
– Lydbury North CE Primary School
– Maesbury County Primary School (pupils to attend Kinnerly)
– Onny C of E Primary School (pupils to attend Stokesay School)
– Stiperstones C Of E Primary School
– Wakeman School & Arts College (pupils to attend Meole Brace School) 

Twenty schools would also federate in Shropshire sharing Governors and resources.