Joy for families and teachers as plan to close ‘lifeline’ primary school is scrapped
16.03.2023 - 11:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Families and teachers are celebrating after plans to close a school described as a ‘lifeline’ for the community were scrapped. St Mary’s RC Primary School, in Heaton Norris, Stockport, will now remain open and become part of an academy trust, it has been confirmed.
The Diocese of Salford proposed shutting the school last year after it was placed in special measures, saying it was no longer ‘viable’ due to the falling number of Catholic pupils. This sparked an outcry from 'devastated' parents and children, who said St Mary's was 'more than a school' and offered invaluable support to families and the community.
But the diocese has now performed a U-turn, announcing it will absorb the Roman Road school into its Emmaus Academy Trust, following a spirited campaign to save it. The decision follows a consultation held at the end of last year, where 90 per cent of respondents did not support the closure of the school.
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A statement from the diocese reads: “It was noted that consultees have all spoken with a single voice in that they wish for the school to remain open in some form. It was also noted that governors and school leaders have worked hard to improve the quality of education and the impact of this work is now making a difference.
“Consequently, Diocesan trustees are of the view that the consultation process facilitated by Stockport local authority will cease at this stage and St Mary’s will remain open. The school will now follow the procedure to join the Diocese of Salford’s Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust.”
However, the statement adds that it is ‘still necessary now to consider further measures on how the
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