The Church of England has officially backed the latest round of proposals in Bradford's schools review.

Bradford Diocesan Synod, the church's decision-making body, overwhelmingly voted in favour of the system which is expected to clear another important hurdle at Council committee tomorrow.

Having heard objections about the closure of some schools - notably Bierley and Shipley First - members at the meeting in Earby, near Skipton, on Saturday felt the overall move was for the best. No one voted against the proposals although there were seven abstentions.

There are 5,971 pupils in C of E schools in the Bradford district but if the proposals go ahead that number will change to 7,665 in primary education.

But the most attractive part of the restructuring for the Church is the addition of two C of E secondary schools, one at Bowling College and the other to be built at Cote Farm in Thackley which will cater for another 2,520.

Many see it as the best way to continue the work of Bradford's Christian forefathers who built most of the area's first schools with the intention of providing education to all children regardless of beliefs or social status.

Pam Aston, headteacher of Ingrow First School, urged members to think beyond their own immediate situations to see the "challenge and opportunity" in front of them.

But the Reverend Sue Penfold, curate of Shipley St Paul and Frizinghall St Margaret, said clergy at Windhill were "very, very unhappy" at the changes.

Bradford Cathedral Provost the Very Reverend John Richardson said the shake-up proposal was a positive move but stressed the importance of caring for the displaced teachers from church schools which looked set to close.

Mary Wilson, the diocesan representative on the council's education committee, said: "We are looking at long term. Short term pain will be forgotten."

Bradford Council education committee chairman Councillor Jim Flood said afterwards that the feelings of those schools "surprised" by the latest round of closure decisions would be heard if they approached the Council before the meeting tomorrow.

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