THE council should investigate the governance at Culcheth High School, claims Helen Jones Warrington North MP.

In the wake of news that the sixth form could be closing, Mrs Jones has argued that an investigation is needed to look at the plummeting numbers of students, who enrolled at the sixth form, with numbers dropping from 132 pupils in 2008 to 2009 to 57 pupils in 2013 to 2014.

Mrs Jones said the announcement came as a ‘huge shock’.

She added: “Why was the problem of falling post 16 numbers not flagged up at a much earlier stage by the governors? What actions were taken to try to tackle the problem and attract more students?

“In short, what were the governors doing and why did they seemingly keep the problem such a secret? Could more have been done to try to reverse the situation?

“I believe that the council need to investigate what has been happening at the school and that means looking at the role of the governors in this matter.”