Fate of Gateshead schools to be decided

Feb 9 2010 by The Journal

THE fate of three Gateshead schools will today be considered by council bosses.

Gateshead councillors will be asked to approve closing St John the Baptist RC Primary, Felling, Sacred Heart RC Primary, Byermoor, and Marley Hill Community Primary.

Declining numbers mean all three could be closed by August 2011. Members of Gateshead Council’s cabinet are further recommended to agree to the merger of St Joseph’s RC Infant and Junior Schools, in Birtley. The proposals follow a review of primaries in Whickham and a handful of Gateshead Catholic schools to tackle falling rolls.

Consultations with parents, headteachers, ward councillors, teachers and the RC Diocese took place last year. David Mitchell, the council’s director of learning and schools, said: “These are difficult decisions for the council, but it is important we consider these changes to ensure the long-term success of all our young people.”