Schools merger gets the go-ahead

The county council announced yesterday Graham and Raincliffe secondary schools are to become one school from next September.

Despite facing a legal challenge on another front from campaigners opposed to the closure of Ingleton and Settle Middle Schools earlier this year, the local authority claims it has the “overwhelming” support of parents over the Scarborough decision.

Arthur Barker, North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for schools, said: “We are delighted to be able to help the schools move forward to becoming one establishment.

“They have worked very hard over the last few years to come together for the good of children and young people in the area.

“We are pleased that these proposals are acceptable to parents and we will be working with staff and governors of Graham and Raincliffe to bring about a smooth transition to one school.”

Raincliffe went into the National Challenge category set up by the previous Labour Government as one of a category of schools whose A*-C GCSE score was below 30 per cent.

In 2010 Raincliffe’s results increased from 13 per cent to 40 per cent and this achievement has been maintained this year.

Garry Hancock, executive headteacher of Graham and Raincliffe schools, said: “We have had fantastic support from our current families, students, staff and governors as our partnership has developed.

“This is the final step in our transition to becoming one school. It enables us to improve the facilities, curriculum and educational opportunities that we provide. This will result in improved achievements for our students. It also provides an excellent resource for the local community.

From this term, the schools have decided to operate with a shared staff, timetable and a common curriculum.