Children have filmed a song pleading for their primary school to be saved from closure.
The video features youngsters from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, in Hollingdean, singing to the tune of Nazareth from Nativity the Musical!
The school said: “St. Joseph’s was kindly granted permission to use the melody of Nazareth for lyrics aimed at promoting awareness of the school’s campaign to save it from closure.
“The lyrics were crafted to emphasise the vital need for a community school in Hollingdean.”
The musical SOS – Save Our School – follows the announcement of a formal consultation on a proposal to close next July.
The proposal was made public last month by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton.
A statement on the school website said: “As a result of falling pupil numbers, the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton have made the difficult decision to consult on the closure of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Brighton.
“Despite the school’s Ofsted rating of ‘good’ and a strong history of service to the community, the governing body and leadership team at St Joseph’s have faced significant challenges in maintaining enrolment levels sufficient to support the school’s financial sustainability.
“There are currently 29 per cent surplus places at St Joseph’s, with this figure forecast to increase, adding further financial pressure on the school.
“Therefore, the proposal to consult on closure is a direct consequence of the significant
challenges faced by falling rolls across the city.
“The governors and school leadership team remain deeply committed to St Joseph’s and
understand how challenging closure would be for the school community.
“Following consultation, if closure is decided on, they will work in partnership with the diocese and local authority to ensure that support is given to pupils, their families and the school’s teaching and support staff as they transition to new schools in and around Brighton.”
Tomorrow (Friday 20 December), St Bartholomews Church of England Primary School is due to close its doors for the final time, with a school mass for staff scheduled for today.
Most children had found new schools by the start of this term but the brief reprieve allowed time for others to try to find another school to attend or other suitable arrangements.
Due to the grounds available, couldn’t it be relaunched as a local authority maintained school? The environs are much more welcoming than some of the concrete jungle schools around and would free up those sites for redevelopment.
New new labour promised I’m their manifesto to keep schools open. This will be the fourth closure on their watch. Never trust new Labour
Read the article again.This is nothing to do with the council.
This isn’t a council controlled school but a Catholic Church school.
“The proposal was made public last month by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton.”
And note the School for the Deaf thats also closing is being closed by the charity that runs it.
Although the Catholic Diocese have started the consultation, the council will make the final decision. So, let’s see if the labour council choose to keep this school open or not. Regardless, they have already broken their manifesto promise by closing 3 schools.
The implementation of the manifesto reflects a harm reduction utilitarian approach, prioritising the least damaging option in a challenging situation. Put simply, it’s a choice between losing one or risking the loss of many more. I know what I’d choose in that scenario.
You argue that the manifesto has been broken by the closure of a school. I’d argue the opposite – it has been upheld by ensuring the majority remain open through pragmatic decision-making. Framing this issue in purely black-and-white terms is not only reductive but also disingenuous.
I know of 2 schools the council has closed but which is the 3rd?
I don’t think the council has any role in closing a school which it isn’t responsible for.
they need an education and they need to learn to tell the truth – unlike some of our politicians
Kevin Gillett, now retired, who was Director of Banking at Lloyd’s HBOS wrote on social media recently.
‘In 2009 Rachel Reeves was 3 levels below me.
She was a Complaints Support Manager NOT an Economist.
She nearly got sacked due to an expenses scandal when Managers were found to have been signing off each others expenses.
She then had lots of doctor and dental appointments and so was followed.
It turned out she was doing Labour Party business.
When confronted, she resigned’.
Mr Gillett asked for this to be shared with as many people as possible.
The council make the final decision on closure of voluntary aided schools. The diocese just propose. Wonder what New Labour will do? Bet you I can guess.