Decision to close Walsall school could be raised in House of Commons

David Winnick, who is defending his Walsall North MP seat, is planning to raise the issue of Black Country University Technical College.

It was announced that the £9.5m school in Vernon Way, Bloxwich, is to close at the end of August amid a combination of financial problems, staffing issues, falling student numbers and a poor inspection report.

Mr Winnick said: "I intend to raise the closure of the Black Country University Technical College in the Commons at the earliest opportunity, if re-elected.

"It is difficult to understand why the college, which has been widely praised since opening just four years ago, is to be closed down in August.

"It provides, as we know, an intense technical education, which is increasingly important for future employment. Last year, for instance, every student who left managed to get an apprenticeship, employment, or a place in further or higher education.

"I am also much concerned at the way in which the closure decision was taken and how it was not communicated to those outside the college.

"The main concern now is to ensure that students who have not completed the courses are found a proper replacement as quickly as possible, and the site in Vernon Way should continue to be used for educational purposes."