Devastated parents and children are campaigning to save a primary school lined up for closure after being placed in ‘special measures’. St Mary's RC Primary School, in Heaton Norris, Stockport, was deemed ‘inadequate’ - the lowest possible rating - following an Ofsted inspection last year.
It was ordered to convert to an academy, but the Diocese of Salford did not want to absorb the school into its trust, believing it to be ‘unviable’ due to the falling number of Catholic pupils. In November a council report also said it was forecasting a £50k deficit by the end of this financial year, although it is understood this has since improved.
The decision to close has prompted an outcry from parents, governors and councillors after the diocese effectively instructed them to launch a consultation on its closure. To date, more than 230 people have signed a petition calling for the school to be saved. Among parents calling for an urgent rethink is Amy Lambrakis, whose nine-year-old daughter Florence goes to the Roman Road school.
