[4] Lancashire County Council began a public consultation on the future of the school in October 2014 after figures showed the number of students had reduced by 54% since 2006,[5] and ran until 14 December 2014.

Students, parents, staff, councillors and local residents totalling approximately 400, and West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper, marched in protest on 15 November 2014 over its potential closure.

Stage three involved a further four-week statutory consultation period following the publication of the formal proposals, which allowed interested parties to submit their comments, objections as well as those in support, before a final decision is made.

[5] The decision was widely criticised[9] including Rosie Cooper who had been campaigning with students, parents, staff and the local community to keep the school open, stating the concerns over "the lack of clarity and commitment and support for existing pupils, especially those taking their GCSEs" and referred to the closure as being the "cheap and easy option".

[10] County councillor Matthew Tomlinson said Ofsted inspectors had been concerned for many years and if the council had not closed the school, the Department for Education "would probably make us do so".