Petitions launched to save two Brighton schools from closure

Councillors say they are considering closing St Peter’s Community Primary and Nursery School, in Portslade, and St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School, in Brighton, due to dwindling pupil numbers.

But “heartbroken” parents from both schools are challenging Brighton and Hove City Council’s plans, with nearly 1,500 people signing petitions to keep them open in just three days.

Kirstie Martin, 32, whose eldest daughter is in reception year at St Peter’s, said: “All of us parents are fighting for it to remain open.

“My daughter has just built a trust with her teachers so the thought of having to take her out of the school now is difficult.

St Peter’s Community Primary and Nursery School (Image: Google Maps)

“I can’t imagine changing her life now. I haven’t had the courage to tell her the school might be closing just yet.”

Parents say teachers at both schools are “compassionate and understanding”, and fear the support for children with special educational needs could be lost if they are forced to move schools.

“St Peter’s is a beacon of hope for children like her who struggle in larger educational settings due to their unique SEN needs. 

“It’s not just a school, it's an amazing community where teachers are kind, compassionate and understanding. The focus here is always on the families and children - an ethos that fosters well-mannered students who feel valued and supported.

“Closing the school would disrupt the education of many pupils, including SEN children who may not cope well in bigger settings.

St Bartholomew's C of E Primary School (Image: Google Maps)

“It would have a devastating effect on all pupils but also on SEN students' academic progress and mental health.”

Kirstie launched a petition to save St Peter’s on Tuesday (October 31) which had gained 370 signatures by Thursday afternoon (November 2).

Meanwhile, a petition to save St Bartholomew’s from closure had amassed 1,123 signatures by yesterday afternoon (November 1) having been set up the previous day.

READ MORE: Labour councillors defend Brighton school closures

Teachers at St Peter’s are meeting with parents today (November 3) to provide an update on the situation.

It comes after the city council was forced to defend its plans to close the schools after claims it U-turned on manifesto promises to keep them open.

After being accused by the Green Party of “making poor decisions without scrutiny”, the deputy council leader hit out at the previous administration as “politically immature”.