Two town schools to merge

Two Telford schools will amalgamate to form a new community primary school, council bosses have revealed. Dothill Infant and Junior Schools are to merge on the same site.

The change is due to take effect from September 1.

Telford & Wrekin Council applied to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator for permission for the move.

Adjudicator Alan Parker approved the move and said it was a "good and appropriate response to the present and future needs of the area".

Nick Renshaw, acting headteacher at both the schools, said: "The plans are part of an exciting range of developments for children and families in the area.

"Local support has been excellent and the children are now enjoying taking part in planning for their learning community."

Councillor Stephen Burrell, council lead member for children and young people, said: "It will enable us to work with the Wellington community to create a wonderful new environment for both educational and extended school activities."

* A special school in Telford has been named a specialist business and enterprise college.

Staff and pupils at The Bridge School, for children with learning disabilities, based at Hadley Learning Centre, are celebrating following the Department for Children, Schools and Families announcement yesterday.