Campaign Against Closure

The intention of this web site was to provide a window into the life of the school, we wanted it to be as "normal" a school website as possible. However we live under the threat of closure and the issue can't be avoided. Here we attempt to chronicle the situation.

On November 7th 2001 governors of Chelmarsh School voted by 6 to 5 to ask the LEA to consult on closure on the grounds that the low numbers on roll at the school meant it was no longer viable.

There followed a period of public consultation. Those with views on the situation were invited to write to the LEA and the consultation period culminated in a public meeting held in January at the village hall attended by well over a hundred people.

( photo by permission Shropshire Star )

The LEA's report to the County Council cabinet stated that the "overwhelming response to consultation has been one of opposition to closure". However the conclusion of the report was that " the fundamental and unavoidable reason behind the situation in Chelmarsh is demographic: there are too few children." As a result the County Council cabinet voted to authorise the publication of a Notice for the proposed discontinuance of the school and that displaced pupils be offered a place at Highley Primary School. Those campaigning to save the school reject this conclusion and have demonstrated that the number of children in the village is currently rising. They believe that Chelmarsh Church of England School, as well as being a vital focus for village life, offers an important alternative to children from a wider area where there may be a preference for a smaller setting.

Supporters of the school believe that there are alternative strategies to the two class / two teacher traditional arrangement for managing the school, and other small schools in Shropshire, that would improve efficiency both financially and educationally. Such a strategy would make Chelmarsh an attractive proposition to parents once again.

What happens next?

The School Organisation Committee meet at 7.30pm on Monday 15th July in the Shrewsbury and Oswestry room at Shirehall, Shrewsbury. Although the public don't have the right to be present we understand that objectors to the closure may be invited to make their case.

See our editorial for a personal comment.