Interests of students at heart of change to education provision in Hillarys area

Education Minister Liz Constable today announced State Cabinet had endorsed the decision that Padbury Senior High School will close at the end of the 2011 school year, due to declining enrolments.

Dr Constable said enrolments at Padbury had been declining for the past decade, with just 361 students currently attending the school, and 296 predicted for 2011.

The Minister said students would be offered the opportunity to attend nearby Duncraig Senior High School or Belridge Senior High School for the 2012 year.

"Parents can be assured that the interests of students are at the heart of this decision and their needs will be catered for," she said.

"Students will benefit from the wider availability of subjects and courses on offer at Duncraig and Belridge senior high schools.

"The Department of Education has undertaken a detailed analysis of the population and enrolment trends in the area and recommended the closure of the school for educational reasons.

"The small and declining number of students limits the ability of the school to offer the breadth and depth of curriculum required by senior students.

"Discussions are currently under way about the future use of the site."

Permanent teaching and non-teaching staff will have their placement at Padbury Senior High School guaranteed for 2011 and fixed-term staff will have their contracts honoured.  A staffing management plan will be developed to manage the placement of staff into the future.