Failing secondary school to shut

A Northamptonshire secondary school which was placed in special measures could be closed next summer.

The county council has started a consultation process which could end with the closure of Our Lady Pope John Paul School in Corby.

Ofsted inspectors placed the school in special measures in 2002 but after three further visits concluded little progress was being made.

The government has since written to the council asking it to close the school.

Whatever happens we will continue to support the youngsters at the school Olwen Loud

The council said everyone would be allowed to have their say about the school's future, but there was now a plan to close the school on 31 August 2005.

The authority said it was working hard to ensure there would be minimum disruption to pupils.

Olwen Loud, the county council's cabinet member for schools, said: "The number one priority in this whole process is the continuity of education for all pupils currently attending the school.

"Parents should be reassured whatever happens we will continue to support the youngsters at the school and their education is the most vital aspect of this."

He added: "This is naturally a very upsetting and unsettling time for the whole school community."

The government warned the council if it did not begin working with the Roman Catholic Diocese towards closing the school, the secretary of state for education would consider intervening.