School faces fresh threat

A failing Dudley school is facing a new threat of closure because of falling pupil numbers and poor examination results, it has been announced.

Pensnett High School in Tiled House Lane could close next year with students sent to neighbouring schools if plans are approved following a public consultation.

It comes after proposals to merge the school with Crestwood School in Kingswinford, creating a single academy, were scrapped.

Parents celebrated the academy decision as a reprieve for the Pensnett School.

But Dudley Council's children's services chief, Councillor Liz Walker, said the education authority was being forced to reconsider the school's future because it was "failing" its pupils.

She said: "The provision at Pensnett High School is inadequate. Numbers have dropped over five years. Results are below the national targets."We have gone through the academy route and that is not going to work. We have supported it with money and good teachers but the school is not viable.

"Closing any school is not an easy proposal but the school is currently failing the young people of Pensnett and we must consider that option now.

"If the preferred option is to close following consultation, pupils would be re-located to neighbouring schools where provision and outcomes for pupils are significantly higher."

Pupil numbers have dropped well below the 650 capacity. In January there were 402 pupils and projected numbers for the new term in September is 312.

The consultation will start on Monday and will run for 13 working school weeks.