Ebrington School closure plans dropped

Controversial plans to close Ebrington School have been dropped following huge public opposition.

Governors at the school had proposed closing the school and relocating pupils to St James’ School in Chipping Campden.

Under the plan more classrooms would be built at St James’ to accommodate the extra pupils with governors arguing that both schools are part of one federation and should be amalgamated.

However this week a pre-consultation into the proposed closure was abandoned.

Cotswolds MP Geoffrey-Clifton Brown, has urged all parties involved to try and heal the damage that has been caused.

An independent review commissioned by Mr Brown concluded that there was no financial justification for the closure of the school, whilst upholding concerns raised by the parents group over traffic.

The report also said the proposal had triggered a breakdown in relationships at school, governing body, resident and local group levels.

Claire Alexander, a member of the parents group at Ebrington School, said: “I feel over the moon that our children will get to keep the wonderful education that they receive at Ebrington School.

“Communities live or die by their schools, we should be celebrating our 175 anniversary this year but instead we have had to fight against this plan. This report proves that there is no valid reason for closing Ebrington School.

“There are still governors who want to close the school so I think there is still work to do to safeguard its future.”

For more on this story read this week's Herald.