This week in Looking Back we are remembering the history of the creation of one school when two high schools closed.
It is 32 years since English Martyrs and St John's merged due to falling pupil numbers.
Here is our report from that time
A MIX of sadness and excitement was in the air as staff and pupils of English Martyrs RC High School prepared to merge with St John’s RC High School, becoming Newman Catholic High School.
Head teacher Frances McNulty said: “There is obviously a great sadness that we have to close but everyone is hoping to carry the best traditions of English Martyrs into Newman High.”
The closing of the school was due to a shortage of Catholic children in the area, with three local schools – the others being St John’s and St Gregory’s – facing the axe.
St John’s was ultimately chosen, after a Spanish College bought the east side of the school for use as its English base.
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