Kirklees Council to decide on Bradley schools merger plan

May 11 2009 By Barry Gibson

TWO Huddersfield schools could be merged.

Kirklees Council’s cabinet will this week consider amalgamating Bradley C of E Infant and Nursery School with Bradley C of E Junior School.

A new “all-through” primary school would cater for children aged five to 11.

The two schools are based in the same building on Sherwood Avenue. The infant and nursery school downstairs is for children aged five to seven while the junior school upstairs takes children from seven to 11.

The council’s cabinet will decide tomorrow whether to go ahead with the merger plan.

Cabinet member for schools Clr Ken Smith supports the plan.

The Ashbrow Labour man said: “Until recently I was a governor at both these schools. I know them well and think a great deal of them as a major asset to our community.

“This development is part of our ongoing commitment to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to give every child the best possible start.

“We think primary schools that cater for children aged five to 11 give every youngster the best opportunities to achieve their potential – changing schools at age seven from infant to junior is an unnecessary upheaval for children. When the schools occupy the same building this upheaval seems unnecessary.”

Clr Smith added that the Church of England backed the plan. He said: “As they are both Church of England voluntary controlled schools, the Diocese of Wakefield has been closely involved in the discussions and fully supports the proposal.”