Secondary school pupil rolls are falling

Cumbria County Council says the future of the 530-pupils Alfred Barrow school in Barrow is now "uncertain".

The authority says it is considering closure because of low pupil numbers, poor academic performance and the sub-standard state of buildings.

Parents and union officials are to be asked for their views in a recommended consultation process.

Cumbria County Council's education spokesman Joan Stocker, said: "The site itself is poor and possibilities for modernisation are restricted.

"There is no land for playing fields or grassed areas. The present site cannot sustain a modern secondary school as envisaged in the government's Building Schools for the Future programme.

Surplus places

"Academic achievement is amongst the lowest 1% in the country and despite a new, energetic and successful headteacher, with support from both the government and the county council, has not yet shown the improvement we would wish to see.

"We also know that in the next 10 years the school population of Barrow is likely to fall by around 25%.

"So we must plan now for the inevitable impact of surplus school places.

"Faced with all those factors we must seriously consider the way ahead.

"Guaranteeing the school's future is problematic.

"If after consultation it is decided that the school must close then we will guarantee to provide the necessary support for pupils, parents and staff to make a smooth transition to other schools.

"This is not about money it is about doing the best for the people of Barrow - they deserve better schools and better facilities to meet the needs of their children."