Talking begins over new school

CONSULTATION starts on Monday over plans to open a new Roman Catholic high school and close two others in Oldham.

Salford Diocese and Oldham Council plan to build a new Catholic school on the former Radclyffe School site on Broadway, Chadderton, for September 2012.

Our Lady’s School, Royton, and St Augustine’s, Werneth, would close under Oldham’s £230 million Building Schools for the Future project to refurbish, rebuild or replace every secondary school in Oldham.

Reverend Canon Anthony McBride of Salford Diocese said: “We see Building Schools for the Future as an opportunity to move on and to build on past achievements in order to provide the best education possible for our Catholic children in this town.

"We are conscious of the need to continue to involve ourselves in a process which will enhance community cohesion in Oldham.”

Oldham’s cabinet member for children, young people and families, Councillor Kay Knox, added: “It has not been an easy journey for Oldham’s Catholic community but this is a major step towards a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to transform education.

“We need to ensure parents, staff, members of the local community and wider stakeholder groups are consulted.”

There will be ‘drop-in’ opportunities to ask questions and put views in person between 3.30pm and 6.30pm at St Augustine’s on November 18 and at Our Lady’s on November 19.

Information is also being sent to Oldham’s Catholic community.


Next week is the last chance to have a say on the future of Oldham’s mainstream schools. Oldham Council’s transforming secondary education public consultation comes to an end on Saturday.

The plans would close five schools, build three new academies on new sites and rebuild, replace or refurbish all secondary schools .