The school, which shares a name with Paul McCartney’s arts college, but is run by a separate trust, has been plagued by concerns over its finances and safety
Parents and their children have been advised to avoid LIPA School this morning following a “threat” made against the institution. In correspondence to parents, obtained by the ECHO, they were notified the school had been compelled to shut for the day on Monday, March 9, due to a threat to inflict harm.
The correspondence explains how such threats are frequently hoaxes, and Merseyside Police has also stated it believes the threats to be a hoax. The school is collaborating with police, with officers spotted inside the premises this morning.
This morning’s threat follows news that the school would be shutting permanently this year after the government agreed with the school’s trustees that it should be closed down.
LIPA School headteacher Claire McKendrick stated in her correspondence to parents: “I am writing to inform you that we have made the unfortunate decision to close the school today. “This morning, the school received a bomb threat and a threat to cause harm,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
“Whilst these types of messages are, in most cases, hoaxes, the heightened media attention surrounding the school in recent days means we must treat this as a serious and credible risk.
“We are currently working closely with Merseyside Police, who are supporting us in ensuring the safety of our pupils, staff, and wider community.
“I appreciate that this will cause disruption and concern, and I sincerely apologise for that. However, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils, families and staff must always come first.
“We advise families not to enter the school building until we are able to confirm that it is safe to return.
“We will email parents regarding the reopening of the school as soon as it is safe to do so. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and support.”
The ECHO has covered the school’s troubles extensively, which bears the same name as Paul McCartney’s arts institute but operates under a different trust.
The previous year saw the school receive a scathing Ofsted report that forced it into special measures, before safety worries led to its closure just days before the summer term ended.
It was confirmed last month that the school will shut permanently this summer, with correspondence to parents outlining numerous serious problems behind the decision.
The reasons cited include a “significant overspend over a number of years, which has led to a substantial historical financial deficit.”
The previous year’s inadequate Ofsted assessment is also referenced, alongside a “significant” drop in student numbers plus “inappropriate” learning facilities and the absence of any workable solutions.