Teachers at two schools set for closure are poised to strike over the proposals.

National Education Union members at St Bartholomew’s in Brighton and St Peter’s in Portslade were last night waiting to see how councillors voted on the controversial issue.

Brighton and Hove City Council is considering shutting the two primary schools because of dwindling pupil numbers.

Councillors were due to make the decision at Hove Town Hall last night.

But teachers, parents and supporters were not going down without a fight and were gathering outside the town hall in a last ditch attempt to save the schools.

Nick Childs, NEU senior regional officer, said: “The closure of the schools is not necessary. Indeed, it is exceedingly short sighted.

“Pupil admission numbers have been falling in recent years, but these fluctuate over time depending on birth rates and range of other factors. 

“Once a school is closed the local authority is not permitted to reopen new schools.”

St Bartholomew’s had a 100 per cent vote in favour of strikes and a 100 per cent turnout. 
St Peter’s had a 90 per cent vote in favour of strikes and a 100 per cent turnout.

“The resounding ballot results indicate the depth of feeling at both schools and the sense of betrayal members feel at the way the council have behaved towards their schools,” said Nick.

“Labour made a specific commitment to keeping schools open in their 2023 manifesto. Once elected they appear to have backtracked on their commitment within months.

“Both schools provide and excellent education to their respective communities and we appeal to the council to listen to teachers, parents and the local communities and withdraw these damaging and unnecessary proposals immediately.”

He said if councillors voted for the closures, the teachers would consider striking.

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The final decision on the closures will be made by full council on March 4.

Labour previously said: “We must act now and take these extremely tough decisions. Doing nothing and hoping the situation improves or goes away, as the Greens did, is not an option.

“In our manifesto we said that we would use what money is available to keep schools open and that is exactly what we are doing.”