One of three Canvey secondary schools is to face the axe next year because of falling birth rates, it was revealed today.
Headteachers will now have to battle it out with each other to keep their school open.
Essex County Council is in talks with Cornelius Vermuyden, Furtherwick Park and Castle View schools with a decision on their future expected by September this year and a potential closure aimed for April 2005.
The schools will now have to present their case to the local authority in a bid to remain open.
The loss of one school will see finances pumped into the other two to extend and improve facilities.
Essex County Council has confirmed it has drawn up a framework for the future of education on Canvey and has forecast that over the next decade there will be a drop in births, meaning three secondary schools may not be viable.
Cabinet member for education Iris Pummell said: "If numbers drop too far it is difficult for schools to organise effectively and ensure that all pupils receive a high quality education."
Published Thursday June 17, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article