School buildings case put to minister

THE future of Oldham’s three academies and two new schools is being considered by Education Minister Michael Gove.

On Monday, Oldham Council submitted final representations to the Government on why a new Roman Catholic school and the refurbishment of North Chadderton school should go ahead, as well as the planned academies.

On July 5, the Government announced it was scrapping the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme to rebuild or refurbish every secondary school in England. It also placed the new academies under review.

Councillor Jack Hulme, cabinet member for children and families, said: “On Monday, Oldham Council and schools officials submitted final representations and cases for the continuation of the two BSF schools – the proposed new Roman Catholic school, and the refurbishment of North Chadderton school – to Partnership for Schools.

“This will now be considered by Michael Gove, the Education Minister, but we have not been given an expected date for the final decision.”

He added: “The sponsors of the borough’s three planned Academy schools — to replace Breeze Hill, Counthill, Grange, Kaskenmoor and South Chadderton schools — all had to submit their cases to proceed by last Friday.

“A final decision on this will also come from the Department for Education.”