THE closure of any school is obviously devastating for any community.
So the announcement this week that St John Stone will close its doors at the end of this term is a big blow for Ainsdale, made even more difficult as it comes less than 12 months after the announced closure of Hope High.
Parents of pupils of St John Stone are currently dealing with the news after receiving letters on their door steps.
Even though the closure doesn't take place until March 31, 2008, the school will not open its doors to new pupils this September. Governors have told the Visiter that is because the number of pupils on roll for the coming year has fallen so low meaning the school cannot provide an effective education for the few remaining children.
It is expected Sefton will begin the legal process to close the school in September.
In a letter this week, chairman of governors Arthur Sims, said: “The number of children on roll has fallen in recent years due to demographic factors, and also to rumour and speculation about the possible closure of our very small school as part of plans to reorganise schools in the area.
“Following a period of financial uncertainty caused by the falling numbers, our school was recently involved in negotiations to federate with Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Birkdale.
“However, many parents felt that the distance from Ainsdale was too great, and decided to apply to more local schools. As a result, St John Stone will be financially unviable from April 2008.
“The future of our staff is still undecided. The impact of the planned school closure on staff, children, parents and the community has been considerable. The impact on the parishes of St John Stone and Sacred Heart remains to be seen.�
It's a sad fact of modern life that a school's future is no longer simply judged on results but on its "financial viability".
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