Primary schools join forces

Two Lichfield schools are in line for an exciting future as they join forces on one site.

Consultation is now under way to relocate a special school to the site of another city primary school.

Rocklands School is set to move from its current home in Wissage Road to Charnwood Primary, less than a mile away in Purcell Avenue.

And the Stowe Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), currently based in Stowe Street for educating pupils outside of mainstream education, would then take over the former Rocklands School building.

After the PRU building is sold off, the cash raised would be ploughed back into the planned redevelopments. It was recently agreed by county councillors to begin consultation on the moves - which have already been welcomed by both school headteachers.

And the latest set of architectural plans are expected to be sent to the schools for inspection within days.

Under the proposals, the building currently occupied by Charnwood's Key Stage Two pupils would be extended to house Key Stage One lessons as well.

And Rocklands would also take over the vacated Key Stage One building on the existing site.

The ambitious plans form part of the Lichfield District Review of School Places, which will see Charnwood reducing its intake so it would become a one form entry school.

And the move is aimed at making the most of any surplus facilities on the site.

In addition to this, the change would also represent a move to more suitable accommodation for both Rocklands and the Stowe RPU.

"From our point of view we are very positive about the move," said Charnwood headteacher Jeff Isaac.

He welcomed the move, saying it would be of huge benefit to children from both schools involved.

"We feel that it has a lot to offer for both schools.

"There are plans to be agreed and we are working with the county council at the moment.

"They have listened to us and they have gone away and the architects are drawing up another set of plans according to the proposals we have made, so we are awaiting the next set of plans through."

Mr Isaac added consultation would continue with parents when the next set of plans have been received.

Rocklands headteacher Tony Dooley said both schools would retain their own identities, but would also enjoy a close working relationship.

"It's a great opportunity for us really," he added.

"The core location is better and it allows us to work closer with mainstream schools. It is a very exciting time."