Threatened school to remain open

Parents, students and teachers campaigned against the closure

An oversubscribed school in Salford which was threatened with closure under plans to reorganise secondary education has been saved.

Proposals were made to shut down St George's RC School and enlarge St Ambrose Barlow School in the Building Schools for the Future programme.

But the Schools Adjudicator has not approved the plans.

Teachers, students and parents have been campaigning against the closure of the Worsley school for three years.

Headteacher Philip Harte said the time had been "stressful" for everyone involved, including parents who were worried about their children's future.

Alternative options

Schools Adjudicator Canon Richard Lindley approved the proposal to create a sixth form at St Ambrose Barlow School but did not agree with plans to shut St George's and make St Ambrose bigger.

He said that "that not all of the alternative options may have been fully considered" and has suggested that the council, the Salford Diocese and should look at other ideas.

One consideration is relocating St George's into the adjoining Harrop Fold High School premises.

Councillor John Merry, Salford City Council leader, said: "I cannot describe how disappointed I am by the adjudicator's decision today which will have a devastating impact on the Building Schools for the Future programme for our Catholic schools in Salford.

"This was a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Salford's children and young people and at a stroke the adjudicator has thrown it all into doubt. The city council is taking legal advice about how we challenge this decision."