A POPULAR school facing the axe under a controversial shake-up of education has suffered a fresh blow.

Proposals by Salford Council which could result in the closure of St George's RC High in Walkden have been approved by the Government which is giving the council 150m for education.

The proposals will now go out to formal consultation before a final decision is made.

Headteacher Phil Harte said the school would battle for its future.

He said: "This school is staying open, there is no doubt about that. The school is relishing the chance to at last be able to put forward the reasons why it should stay open."

The approval of Salford Council's reorganisation plans means that 150 million will be pumped into the city's education system from the Government's Building Schools for the Future fund.

Some schools are being extended and refurbished - but St George's will be closed, the only one in Salford facing that fate.

Mr Harte said: "I am sure that many people welcome the Building Schools for the Future money which will benefit the education system, but a part of that plan is to close this school to give more money to others.

"There are many people who have grave doubts about the proposals. What we are asking for is for this school to have an equal share of the money."

Mr Harte urged everyone in the community to get involved with the consultation process.

He said: "This school is again oversubscribed and there is a demand in the community and further afield for this school. It has the capacity to expand and there is significant investment by the Diocese and the Department for Education and Skills. This shows there is confidence in this school. We will ensure it will not close."

Earlier this year, St George's became one of just a handful of schools to be recognised by Education Minister Jim Knight, as one of the top performing schools in England and Wales, based on year-on-year improvements in key stage 3 exams for children aged between 11 and 14.

A spokesman for Salford City Council said: "Under the scheme, St George's RC High School is still earmarked for closure. Though, as with all schools facing major changes to their operation or structure, parents, headteachers, governing bodies and the faith sector will all still have the opportunity to give their views as part of the statutory consultation process."