Children and parents march against ‘shameful’ proposed closure of school

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Davey Drive, Hollingdean, is under threat of closure.

The move has been put forward by The Diocese of Arundel and Brighton due to declining pupil numbers there.

However, children, parents and governors are fighting back against the proposal and today around 100 people marched from the school to the Old Steine in a bid to make their voices heard.

One parent on the march, Emily Willard, called the proposal “shameful”.

Emily Willard, right, holding a ‘save our school’ sign (Image: The Argus) Emily said: “The Diocese are consulting on closing the school so everyone’s here to show our support.

“It would be shameful, absolutely shameful.

“There’s kids at the school who have already been at a previous school closure who are now going to have potentially another school closure.

READ MORE: Hundreds of parents rally to save school from closure

“It’s completely unsettling for the kids. School runs could be impossible. With school places as they are, we might have to travel outside Brighton to do that.

“It’s such a nice school, we’re really like a family there. They all love each other, they all respect each other.

Children held signs and gave out leaflets to members of the public (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) “It’s a small school which has got a sense of community. This is what we’re fighting for.”

Along the way, children and parents wielded signs which read “save our school” and handed out leaflets to members of the public, as well as love hearts. Some were singing the school song, which blared out from a handheld speaker, and the group were serenaded by honks from passing cars.

A number of children were keen to tell The Argus why their school needed to stay open.

Arlo, aged 7, said: “Our school is closing down and we’re trying to stop it from closing.

“We’ve spent most of our lives in the school and they teach us to learn about different types of stuff.

Arlo, aged 7 (Image: The Argus) “I love all of my friends.”

Jasper, aged 8, said: “It’s the only school I have ever been to and I don’t want to never see my friends again.”

Skye, aged 8, said: “It’s a kind, loving school that everyone loves and this is like my dream school. My favourite thing about it is that the teacher’s are kind to me.”

READ MORE: Primary school may have to close due to falling numbers

Tad Matus, chair of governors at the school, said: “It’s a really sad proposal.

“It’s a really wonderful school and the atmosphere is just amazing.

“We’re very much the poor side of Brighton, there’s a lot of children who need to have as warm a welcome and as much of a second home as possible.

The school’s chair of governors Tad Matus (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) “The school is so wonderful at providing that, it feels like a place of peace and love. All the staff are wonderful.

“We’re one of the rare schools in Brighton that doesn’t have a deficit and the reason is how hard we work, how the staff go above and beyond. The children really know they are loved.

“We’re now having to concentrate on doing the least damage.”

A petition was launched by one of the parents at the school, Rebecca Ayling, in a bid to stop the closure.

At the time of writing, the petition has amassed over 1,400 signatures.

A child wearing a ‘save our school’ t-shirt (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) Rebecca wrote: “St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School should not be closed because it plays a vital role in fostering the academic, emotional, and social development of all its students, especially those with special educational needs (SEN).

“The school provides a nurturing, inclusive environment where children are not only taught core academic subjects but also learn the values of compassion, respect, and faith.

READ MORE: ‘Gobsmacked’ parents say lack of bus passes puts children in danger

“Closing St. Joseph’s would not only disrupt the education of these vulnerable children but also undermine the sense of community and belonging that the school has carefully built over the years.

“The school is a cornerstone of local support and stability, and its closure would have a deeply negative impact on both its students and the broader community.”

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.

Pupils, parents and supporters took to the streets to protest against the proposed closure of the school (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) “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.”

A consultation meeting is being held on Thursday, December 5, where people can give their views to the Diocese.