A BLACKBURN school will add a new junior school to its provision in partnership with Blackburn Cathedral.

St Wilfrid’s, which became an academy in February this year, plans to extend its age range from 11-18 to 7-18.

The new junior school would provide places for 15 students in each of years 3, 4, 5 and 6. These students would follow an enhanced curriculum and be part of the Blackburn Cathedral Choir.

Existing academy staff will manage the new school, in existing premises adjacent to the academy in Duckworth Street, with additional tuition provided by cathedral staff.

Headteacher David Whyte said: “Blackburn Cathedral and St Wilfrid’s are keen to develop their working relationship by creating a junior division of the academy where children can be members of the cathedral choir and receive a first class education.”

The phased implementation would commence in September 2014, and the academy aims to have the 60 places filled by September 2016.

Consultation evenings will be held at the academy on January 10 and 29 between 4pm and 8pm, before plans are passed to the Secretary of State for consideration.