MP disappointed by schools consultation

A CONSULTATION launched by Leeds City Council on the future of secondary school provision on the outskirts of the city which would see a high school shut has been labelled “disappointing” and “short-sighted” by the area’s MP.

Following an application by Boston Spa School to become an academy, the authority requested Lord Agnew, the Academies Minister, delay any decision while the views of the community were sought.

The council unveiled plans last month to demolish Boston Spa High School, sell off the land for development and merge it with nearby Wetherby High. It says pupils numbers are too low at both schools and that only one secondary is needed in the area and it should be located in Wetherby. Steve Walker, director for children and families, said: “Our data leads us to believe only one school is viable in the long term.” Describing the move as “shortsighted” due to plans to build new homes in the area, Elmet and Rothwell MP Alec Shelbrooke, inset, said: “This is disappointing and I will be working closely with parent groups in order to press for a solution that allows Boston Spa School to become an academy and supports the retention of a secondary school in Wetherby.” The consultation document has also been branded inaccurate by the headteacher of Boston Spa School, Chris Walsh. He said: “We have grave concerns about the quality of the survey, and the accuracy, selectivity and balance of the data.”