The ECHO understands LIPA School’s current executive headteacher, has been appointed as executive principal at the North Liverpool Academy
Signs outside LIPA School in Liverpool city centre
Families have been subjected to ‘profound distress’, according to a local MP who has called for ‘urgent action’ over the proposed closure of a much-loved Liverpool school as uncertainty continues to shroud its future.
Last week, (March 12) Kim Johnson, Liverpool’s MP for Riverside added her voice to the unfolding situation around LIPA School, highlighting the plight of parents and children who are desperate to keep their school open. Ms Johnson said: “The proposed closure of LIPA School has created profound distress and uncertainty for families across our community.
“The scale of disruption to children’s education and wellbeing cannot be overstated, and the concerns expressed by parents in recent days are entirely justified.”
This statement came just over a week after dozens of families gathered in Liverpool city centre, determined to save the LIPA school from closure. They were joined by dozens more children, holding supportive placards in support of their school, all hoping to challenge the Department for Education’s (DfE) decision to close it down.
The parents we spoke to at the time said their families have been devastated by what’s happening to LIPA School, and were afraid about what it means for the children’s future. Despite the DfE’s decision, the government body confirmed there is now a four-week consultation process underway, and it’s something the parents hope to take full advantage of as they make a case for the school to remain open.
Ms Johnson has been critical of how the situation has been managed thus far, and expressed her own support for the parents, she said: “The way this decision has been communicated has left the school community in an intolerable position.
“Over the past few days, I have heard directly from parents, teachers, students, and local residents, and I will continue to do so throughout the consultation period. I am working with the Chair of the Trustees to ensure parents’ and teachers’ views are included in the consultation.
“I am treating this situation with the utmost urgency. I am working closely with Liverpool City Council and departmental officials to examine every safeguard available to protect students’ education and to establish a fair and reasonable path forward.
A protest outside LIPA Primary School in Liverpool on March 4(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“My priority is securing clarity for families – including ensuring access to suitable school places from September if the proposed closure goes ahead – and maintaining open engagement with the school community.
“I will also be meeting with parents to listen to their concerns and to ensure their voices are represented fully in all future discussions.
“We need full transparency and urgent action to deliver a clear and credible solution for all those affected.”
LIPA primary and high school opened in September 2014 in Upper Duke Street and while it shares a name with the original performing arts academy founded by Sir Paul McCartney, it is run entirely separately by the LIPA Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), which also includes a sixth form college.
Last summer, Ofsted inspectors published a report on the performance of the school, rating it ‘inadequate’ in all categories. That report formed part of a chain of events which culminated in the DfE’s decision to close the school down.
At the end of last month, a letter was sent to parents which was attributed to Kevin Sexton, the chair of trustees for the LIPA Multi Academy Trust; Paul Johnson, the school’s executive headteacher and acting headteacher Claire McKendrick.
The letter stated: “We are deeply saddened to have to let you know that the Secretary of State for Education along with the board of trustees has made a substantive decision that the school should close as of the 31 August 2026.”
In response, parents have started a petition which went live on Friday (February 27), and has already generated more than 4000 signatures, all keen to offer their support. Campaigners are urging the DfE, Liverpool Local Education Authority, and the Secretary of State for Education to reconsider the planned closure, and find a sustainable solution.
In a separate development, the ECHO understands LIPA School’s current executive headteacher, Paul Johnson, has taken on additional responsibilities and has been appointed the executive principal at the North Liverpool Academy.
The ECHO contacted LIPA School representatives about the points raised in this article.