1 week Ago
A primary school has been left with the "difficult decision" to consult on its closure after 60 years. St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Hollingdean, Brighton, sent out a letter to parents and cares on Monday to announce the news. The school highlighted a "declining birth rate in Brighton and Hove" as one of the main contributing factors.
In the letter it mentioned that various options had been explored but due to "no viable solutions" the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton is now consulting a proposal for its closure. A spokeswoman for the Diocese said: “As a result of falling pupil numbers, The Diocese of Arundel and Brighton have made the difficult decision to consult on the closure of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School. “Despite the school’s Ofsted rating of good and a strong history of service to the community, the governing body and leadership team at St Joseph’s have faced significant challenges in maintaining enrolment levels sufficient to support the school’s financial sustainability.
“There are currently 29 per cent surplus places at St Joseph’s, with this figure forecast to increase adding further financial pressure on the school. “Therefore, the proposal to consult on closure is a direct consequence of the significant challenges faced by falling rolls across the city. “The governors and school leadership team remain deeply committed to St Joseph’s and understand how challenging closure would be for the school community.
“Following consultation, if closure is decided on, they will work in partnership with the Diocese and local authority to ensure that support is given to pupils, their families, and the school’s teaching and support staff as they transition to new schools in and around Brighton.” Councillor Theresa Fowler for Hollingdean and Fiveways, who is a former parent at the school, said: “As a local ward councillor, I am clearly very sad to hear of this proposed closure, not least because of my connection to the school as a former parent. “But I understand why the Catholic diocese have made this decision, given the fall in pupil numbers across the city, something we are keen to reverse by building more social housing.
“I know the council is in touch with the diocese to support them, the school, and families throughout this consultation.” Councillor Emma Daniel, cabinet member for children, families and youth services, said: “St Joseph's is not a local authority maintained school and as such, any decisions on its future are led by the diocese and not the council. “We are aware of the school’s governors’ recent decision to consult on a possible closure and are available to provide support or guidance to those impacted, but this has not been a council decision.
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