State schools “will be able to accommodate” children affected by the closure of their private school, says a councillor.
Brighton and Hove City Councillor Jacob Taylor has assured parents they will be “delighted” with the education offerings in the city after the closure of the Brighton Waldorf School in Roedean Road.
The Waldorf, also known as the Steiner School, announced its closure last week amid financial troubles, leaving more than 120 pupils without a place to learn.
Cllr Taylor, co-chairman of the council's schools committee, said: “We’re sad to hear of the forthcoming closure of the independent Waldorf School, and appreciate that this is a very difficult time for their parents, pupils and staff.
“We’re lucky to have a wonderful family of schools in our city – small and large and with great staff and facilities.
“I believe any Waldorf parents who choose to apply for a state school place will be delighted with the education their new schools offer their children.
“We will offer places in line with our normal admission processes to all parents who apply.
“It is well known that we have a growing number of empty school places across our city so we would be able to accommodate any additional demand this situation may create.”
Parents wishing to apply for a state school place were told to do so on the council website.
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Brighton Waldorf School told parents and staff on Wednesday, January 10, that it was closing, citing financial pressures.
They were told the school would shut in March at the end of the spring term.
The private school, set up in 1983, offered parents an alternative form of education for fees up to £10,000 a year.
Other Waldorf schools highlighted as alternatives are in Ashdown Forest or Bournemouth.
The closure comes at the same time as Brighton and Hove City Council seeks to close two primary schools in the city and reduce admission numbers at others.
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