SCHOOL campaigners have lost their battle to save Atherton's only high school.

Hesketh Fletcher CE High will close after the independent schools adjudicator sided with education chiefs. The last classes will be held there in 2012.

The announcement comes as a blow to campaigners who led a fight to save the Hamilton Street school.

The group believes children will suffer if the school goes and say Atherton will lose its identity.

Campaigner Mark Dudley said: “We are extremely disappointed with the decision, especially given the amount of work put in and the support shown at the adjudicator’s meeting.

“We have to give consideration to our next move and consider the adjudicator’s decision, but we are determined to keep fighting for a school for Atherton.”

Campaigners met at the weekend to consider how to take their fight further.

Wigan Council earmarked Hesketh Fletcher for closure as part the borough’s multi-million pound Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme to rebuild and refurbish secondary schools in the area.

The decision means the school will be transformed into a new centre for 14 to 19-year-olds, along with PEMBEC high school at the opposite end of Wigan borough.

Both centres will offer a broad range of educational and vocational opportunities, including new diploma-style qualifications.

BSF plans will also see Westleigh and Bedford high schools expanded to allow them to take more pupils.

Cllr Susan Loudon, the council’s Cabinet Champion for Children and Young People, said: “I realise a number of people may be disappointed with this decision.

“However, this really is the best outcome for our youngsters.”

Nick Hudson, Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, said: “While it is regrettable that Hesketh Fletcher has to close, falling pupil numbers in recent years has meant that it would not have been viable for the school to continue in the long term.”

In his ruling adjudicator, John Simpson, approved the proposals because of what he said was the potential to improve standards, but he did note the concern of the impact the loss of a secondary school.