Fears over school's future as only 40 parents apply for places

Less than a third of the 150 available Year 7 places look set to be filled at Hameldon Community College in Coal Clough Lane.

The figure is down on last year when 60 parents picked Hameldon as first choice for their children’s secondary education.

According to the latest data, released by Lancashire County Council, Blessed Trinity RC College, in Ormerod Road, is oversubscribed. For this September, 344 families picked it as first choice

The town’s newest school, Burnley High School, which has free school status and opened in 2014, has 86 applicants for its Year 7 places.

Also seeing a rise in the number of applications was Unity College. Sir John Thursby Community College, in Eastern Avenue, has seen a drop in the number of families requesting a place but it was first choice for 174 parents.

Shuttleworth College in Padiham, which has 210 places, also saw a drop in the total number of applications.

Leader of Burnley Council Coun. Mark Townsend said the figures for Hameldon were “disappointing” but hoped more parents would look at the school as an option for their children.

“My hope is that the numbers will improve as the performance of the school improves.

“The results have improved and I’m hoping that is reflected in the number of parents applying to send their children there.

“It’s also down to the school and I know the headteacher and governors are working hard.”

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