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.
