Performing arts school to shut permanently

A primary school and secondary school run by a trust specialising in performing arts will close permanently after summer.

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) School, which caters for children between four and 16, had been struggling with financial issues and concerns about performance and its facilities for some time.

In a letter to parents the school's leadership said the decision had been taken jointly with the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.

A Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson said the decision "had not been taken lightly" and a four-week consultation will now take place.

In a letter from the school's senior leaders, parents were told: "We are extremely sorry to be sharing this with you and know this news will come as a great disappointment – we are hugely sympathetic to that feeling."

The school said the closure followed a number of problems including a "significant overspend" leading to a substantial financial deficit, an inadequate Ofsted rating, falling pupil numbers and "inappropriate educational facilities with no viable future alternative available".

The school said its staff were "committed" to teaching their children until 31 August this year and all Year 6 and Year 11 pupils would be able to sit their exams.

In the letter, signed by chair of trustees Kevin Sexton; acting headteacher Claire McKendrick and acting executive headteacher Paul Johnson, the school said it was working with Liverpool Council and the DfE about finding spaces for all children in other schools.

"Minimising the impact of the school's closure on you and your child is of paramount importance," it said.

The school said it had "also spoken with the school staff, who have always given such dedicated and committed service to the children, to explain what potential closure means for them, while thanking them for all their incredibly hard work".

Bryan McConnell, Liverpool National Executive member for teaching union NASUWT, said: "Our focus is on supporting our members at this worrying and uncertain time.

"We will be pressing for the DfE and the Trust to ensure that teachers receive their full legal entitlements and that teachers are supported to find alternative teaching positions so that their skills and talents are not lost to the young people of Liverpool."

A spokesperson for the DfE said: "Declining pupil numbers and the school's unsustainable financial position has made it challenging for the trust to continue to provide an environment that offers a high-quality education."

LIPA is a separate institution to the performing arts college of the same name founded by Sir Paul McCartney.

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