A Newton High governor has hit back at suggestions the governors want to close the sixth form.

John Pearson, who has been a governor at Newton High for 30 years, said: "It is the local education authority that is suggesting the sixth form should close, not the governors.

"However, everything is only a proposal at the moment and there is also the option to postpone consultation until the autumn term, so it becomes part of the borough-wide consultation on education."

There are 19 governors running the school, seven of whom are LEA officials.

All seven LEA governors, including Clr Keith Deakin, were removed when the school failed its Ofsted inspection and were replaced by new members.

Now the governor's meetings are chaired by Carole Hudson, chief executive of St Helens Council, and Susan Richardson, director of education, attends.

Two councillors, Alma Atherton who holds the education portfolio and Andy Bowden, replaced Clr Deakin.

A public meeting to discuss the future of Newton High's sixth form will be held in the school on Monday, May 10 at 7pm.

Written comments about the proposals should be sent to John Skinley at the Forward Planning Section, Rivington Centre, Rivington Road, St Helens WA10 4ND. Contact 01744 455340 or johnskinley@sthelens.gov.uk. Closing date for comments is May 24.