Proposal
The proposal to close Millfields Church of England (CE) Primary School was considered by Wirral Council Children Young People and Education Committee on 14 October 2026. The committee authorised the Director of Children, Families and Education to proceed with a Stage 1 consultation process on the closure of Millfields CE Primary School. Following that the feedback from the Stage 1 consultation will be considered in consultation with the Chair and Spokespersons of this Committee, determine whether to proceed with a statutory proposal to close the school.
Any proposal to close the school is clearly significant and will have an impact on pupils, families, staff and the wider community. However, having undertaken a comprehensive review of the school's educational, financial and organisational position, and having carefully considered all realistic alternatives, it is considered that consultation on closure represents the most responsible, sustainable and deliverable course of action.
Background
The council has a responsibility to ensure there are sufficient school places available in their area for every pupil of compulsory school age ("the sufficiency duty") in accordance with Section 14 of the Education Act 1996. As part of this, the council has a responsibility to consider the necessity for school closures forms part of the Local Authority's place planning responsibilities.
The factors typically considered when determining whether to proceed with consultation on a school closure are:
- Viability and sustainability
- Educational standards
- Diversity and parental preference
- Pupil numbers
- Financial implication
Millfields Primary School is a Church of England voluntary controlled school located in Eastham. It is maintained by Wirral Council. It is currently governed by an Interim Executive Board (IEB).
An IEB is a statutory intervention used where a maintained school requires significant improvement. A school is eligible for intervention when it has been given notice by Ofsted that it requires significant improvement or special measures.
Millfields CE Primary School was judged to require improvement at its two most recent Ofsted inspections. Consequently, an IEB was established to provide strategic leadership and oversight. The IEB includes representation from both the council and the Diocese of Chester.
The IEB has undertaken a comprehensive and structured review of the school's viability, considered all available evidence and established a shared understanding of the school’s current position. The IEB has also carefully considered all realistic options for the future of the school. The IEB is of the view that closure of the school is the most appropriate way forward. The Diocese of Chester agrees with this view.