A RURAL secondary school with a falling number of pupils on the roll could be replaced by a new style city academy in Lancaster.

Hornby High School, in Melling Road, would close along with Skerton and Central Lancaster High Schools under proposals announced this week.

Hornby High School, which had an intake into Year 7 last year of 23 pupils out of a possible 50 places, now has just 175 pupils on its roll.

Lancashire County Council, which is behind the plans, hopes to have the new establishment, expected to be named the Lancaster Academy, in place by September 2008.

The county council cabinet has submitted proposals to the DfES for approval.

Discussions will be held with the schools and interested parties this month and in July, followed by a period of consultation in late autumn.

For story in full, see June 1 Westmorland Gazette.