A POPULAR teacher whose job may be under threat persuaded pupils to abandon a mass protest called in his support.

At least 250 pupils and parents gathered outside Marina High School in Brighton yesterday to show support for Jim Russell and other teachers who could be affected by staff cuts.

Police were forced to briefly close a section of Wilson Avenue outside the school gates for safety reasons as the youngsters stood in the road, waving posters at passing motorists.

The school is to close this year under a 'fresh start' plan and all staff have had to reapply for their jobs.

There are fears that some teachers may not be taken on again when it reopens as a media and arts college in September.

Mr Russell had applied for the post of senior teacher but was told on Friday he had not been selected.

The news sparked yesterday's protest, with pupils refusing to return to lessons until Mr Russell himself came out to address protesters.

Police redirected traffic as students waving banners and chanting Mr Russell's name occupied the road for an hour.

At one point it appeared that the school had closed for the afternoon as the protesters' numbers swelled. But lessons continued inside for pupils who did not take part in the protest.

When it appeared that the students' action could last all afternoon Mr Russell went out to address the protesters with head teacher Tony Garwood, who remained silent throughout.

Above cheers and chants of his name Mr Russell said: "I am overwhelmed by the way you are dealing with this. We are a good school. We want people all over Brighton to support us. But our job is to educate you.

"We will go in now and hold our heads high as we have always done."

Mr Russell refused to comment on his future at the school, saying he wished to maintain a "dignified silence".

As youngsters returned to school, pupil Michelle Jakabowski, 15, said: "We are only going in because he says so. He's the best teacher we have, and we do not want him to go."

Their views were echoed by parents who were concerned about how their children's education would be affected if many of the school's existing teachers left at once.

Cheryl Stevenson, 46, of Ticehurst Road, said: "It's going to be very disruptive for the youngsters if any of the teachers leave."

Mr Russell, who teaches PE and spent a year as acting deputy head, has been at the school for more than 15 years.

After the protest, Mr Garwood said he understood pupils' concerns and insisted nothing had been finalised yet as the recruitment process was continuing.

He added: "Every member of staff, including Mr Russell, wants the children in lessons and not out here protesting. They're letting the school down."

Parent Jim Beveridge, 36, of Wiston Road, said: "The kids have done well. They've done exactly what we thought they would do and made a lot of noise. We want the authorities to look at this issue again."

Organisers have not ruled out further protests and a petition is already under way. They are determined that staff, and Mr Russell in particular, keep their jobs.

Frieda Warman-Brown, Brighton and Hove education chairman and chairman of the school governors, said Mr Russell could still apply for other posts.

She said: "We are taking great pains to ensure the recruitment process is fair and that the new school gets the best possible staff. I believe many of the teachers will be appointed to the new school.

"Just because somebody has taught at the school for many years and is popular with the children and parents does not give anyone an automatic right to the post.

"Mr Russell was not deemed suitable at interview for that particular job."

Denise Stokoe, director of education, said: "We are determined to ensure that there is a good, viable school on the Marina High campus.

"First and foremost it will have a strong academic focus with the added advantage of a specialised art facility.

"The fact is that Marina High School does not have the option to remain as it is. It's been failing for too long and we know that a significant number of teaching jobs would be at risk as it stands."

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