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Parents reassured over school places

Lisa Gray
3/ 4/2008

PARENTS have been assured that the council will support an increase in places at Holy Family College if pupil applications are too high.

At a special meeting of Rochdale Cabinet, a public assurance was made that members would support a rise of up to 750 places from the current 600 at the joint faith RC and CE school, should applications exceed agreed numbers.

The promise has been made amid fears that Heywood children cannot get into their school of choice and may even have to go to Middleton for their education.

Councillors Peter Rush and Colin Lambert asked for the assurance to be made public, after it had been informally agreed at a previous meeting of the cabinet.

The council’s education chief, Irene Davidson, said: "All the way along we have given our support to this school.

"We have given our promises that we would keep an eye on school places.

"It is written down and we will not go back on this, if the number of places needs to go up we will fully support it.

"We are aware that this pioneering school is doing very well and we hope it will be a great success and an example of good practice right across the country."

Councillor Rush said: "I know that some people have been concerned and even claimed that the council was trying to restrict numbers at the school to 600.

"This is not the case and I am pleased that the council will back the school and provide the resources if 750 children apply.

"We are making history in Heywood with the first school of its type in the country and are proud that we are taking the path that will have a major impact for the children of Heywood.

"I would hope this assurance will placate the worries."

Father Paul Daly of St Joseph’s RC Church said: "I welcome the council’s commitment and am confident that the school will continue to grow.

"I look forward to working with the council to ensure there is adequate provision and to build for the future.

"Holy Family builds on the tradition of St Joseph’s and continues to offer a solid Catholic, Christian-centred education for those young people whose parents want it."