Have your say on academy scheme

PEOPLE can voice their opinions on plans for an academy school in Waterhead.

Consultation is being held on the proposals for Oldham College to run the school, which would replace Breeze Hill and Counthill.

It would be built at the Orb Mill site and cater for up to 1,500 pupils.

The move is part of Oldham’s £230 million Building Schools for the Future plans to transform secondary education. These include closing five schools and replacing them with three academies run by sponsors.

Statutory consultation has already been held by the council and the sponsors are now carrying out their own events.

Oldham College is holding meetings at Breezehill School on Monday, from 4.30 to 5.30pm for existing parents/carers, and 5.30 to 6.30pm for new parents/carers and the local community.

The same format and times will be followed at Counthill School on Tuesday.

College principal Kath Thomas said: “The consultation process is critical to the success of the new academy and we want to gain as much feedback as possible.

“The vision of The Oldham College is to transform lives and prepare all students for the next steps towards college, university and employment.”

The academy proposals, including governance and admissions, are on-line at www.oldham.ac.uk/academy.

Feedback forms can be downloaded and returned to Kate Davies, c/o The Oldham College, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL9 6AA, by February 20.

Events for primary and community groups will be held to get as many views as possible.

Kaskenmoor School is set to be replaced with an academy at Brook Mill, Waterhead, run by the charity Oasis, which has already held its consultation.

Grange is set to be replaced by an academy at Our Lady’s School, Royton, sponsored by the charity Edutrust. It has yet to confirm its consultation dates.