EDUCATION bosses vowed to push ahead with the re-launch of Queen's Park Technology College after the final meeting in the initial consultation.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's director of education Peter Morgan said meetings with parents, governors and staff had given them insight into how to move forward in a bid to raise standards at the special measures school.

They announced last week that the school, which received one of the worst set of GCSE grades in the country, would be close in April and re-open after an Easter break as a new school.

Despite public notices and letters to parents and local residents, no one attended the final meeting last night at the school.

But around 100 parents turned up on Monday to raise their concerns. They asked education directors about a possible new school uniform, the state of repair at the Shadsworth site, tackling site security and how the standard of education would be maintained during the transition period.

Around 40 parents signed up to be part of a parents' reference group to help plan what happens over the coming months.

Separate meetings have also been held for the 20 governors and more than 500 students.

Executive member for education Dave Hollings is expected to present a report on the plans, highlighting main issues raised so far in the consultation, at the council's executive board tonight.

Mr Morgan said: "We are very pleased with how the initial consultation has gone. There have been positive ideas from parents and the children on how to improve the school.

"We are confident we can make a difference and feel that parents are keen to get involved. Many even offered a helping hand with painting if needed."

The school will be changed in several ways when it officially re-opens. There will be different teachers, leadership and management and resources targeted at different curriculum areas to help boost achievement.

Teaching unions are protesting at the move and the fact teachers will have to re-apply for their old jobs.

"The new school will need highly motivated, skilled professionals who believe in and are committed to the vision for the new school," added Mr Morgan. "If a lot of those changes can happen in April the school will be up and running by September and already have a head start."

The statutory proposal will be posted on October 18 until November 18 for more consultation to be logged. The Schools Organisation Committee will then be notified to make the final decision.