Families and teachers are celebrating after plans to close a school described as a ‘lifeline’ for the community were scrapped. St Mary’s RC Primary School, in Heaton Norris, Stockport, will now remain open and become part of an academy trust, it has been confirmed.
The Diocese of Salford proposed shutting the school last year after it was placed in special measures, saying it was no longer ‘viable’ due to the falling number of Catholic pupils. This sparked an outcry from 'devastated' parents and children, who said St Mary's was 'more than a school' and offered invaluable support to families and the community.
But the diocese has now performed a U-turn, announcing it will absorb the Roman Road school into its Emmaus Academy Trust, following a spirited campaign to save it. The decision follows a consultation held at the end of last year, where 90 per cent of respondents did not support the closure of the school.
A statement from the diocese reads: “It was noted that consultees have all spoken with a single voice in that they wish for the school to remain open in some form. It was also noted that governors and school leaders have worked hard to improve the quality of education and the impact of this work is now making a difference.
“Consequently, Diocesan trustees are of the view that the consultation process facilitated by Stockport local authority will cease at this stage and St Mary’s will remain open. The school will now follow the procedure to join the Diocese of Salford’s Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust.”
However, the statement adds that it is ‘still necessary now to consider further measures on how the school might continue to operate in the future’. This includes reducing the number of new pupils the school takes in every year, and reviewing the use of the school estate.
“These measures will ensure all the resources available to governors are used to have a positive impact on children’s lives,” it reads.
Headteacher Mary Bowden has expressed her ‘deep gratitude’ to parents and campaigners for their ‘incredible support and dedication to keeping St Mary's School open and a part of this special community’.
In a statement on the school website, she adds: “Thank you all for your unfailing support and I want to thank the staff who have not faltered in their work to give your children the outcomes they deserve. The whole community should be incredibly proud of all that has been achieved and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”
The decision has also been welcomed by Mike Boswell, chair of the school’s governors. “This is great news for our children, parents, carers and all our staff who can look forward to a brighter and more secure future,” he said in a statement on Facebook.
“The hard work of all the campaigners has certainly paid off, and all are to be thoroughly congratulated. The threat of closure has certainly unified and strengthened the community and we can move onwards without the black clouds hanging over us.”
Campaigner Jo Williams said it was ‘incredible news’. “St Mary’s has been part of the Lancashire Hill community for years, now it will continue to be for years to come,” she added.
Fellow St Mary’s supporter Dave White added: "I am absolutely delighted for the pupils, parents and staff of St Mary’s who have made the case and worked so hard. The headteacher deserves great praise for the way she has handled the situation and achieved this result, it’s great news for the whole community."
Coun Wendy Meikle, cabinet member for education, said she was pleased the views of the community had been listened to. “The council was aware of the strong support for the school shown during the consultation,” she said in a statement.
“We welcome the decision made by the Diocese of Salford for St Mary’s to remain open and to become part of the Diocese of Salford’s Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust. By joining the trust we hope that the school will quickly improve on the work already undertaken by the council, governors and school leaders to increase the quality of education for pupils attending the school.”
Also delighted was Coun Amanda Peers, who backed the campaign to save the school. The Brinnington and Central ward councillor said it was ‘a very positive decision for the school and the wider community’.
“I am proud that this is one of the final achievements of my political career and more than happy that the decision has been made earlier than expected before I finish in May,” she told the M.E.N.
“Well done to all those who stood up in defence of the school and well done to the Diocese for listening to those people. Onwards and upwards to a great future for the school and the children who attend.”
And Coun Colin Foster, chair of the council's children and families scrutiny committee, added: “I’m delighted that the Diocese of Salford have recognised the importance schools like St Mary’s have in their local community, and I’d like to commend the local campaign that has brought this about.”
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