Government gives decision on new Lancashire school proposals

The office of the schools adjudicator has announced a proposed new primary school will be established in Buckshaw village in Chorley, Lancashire, subject to planning being granted by 30 July.

Adjudicators John Simpson, chair, and June Brown have concluded the school will be established by The Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education and the Chorley Methodist Circuit from 1 September next year, depending on planning permission.

The school will also go-ahead on condition that the admission arrangements comply with those contained in the appendix to the determination.

The adjudicators concluded both of the proposals submitted would be capable of supporting the creation of a successful new primary school to serve Buckshaw village but that the Voluntary Aided school proposal was the stronger.

The most important considerations were that the VA proposal showed more thought had been given to educational standards, school improvement and the curriculum.