The parents, teachers, governors and local community have been campaigning hard since last June 2019 to fight the closure of their beloved school – Broad Oak Community Primary School, Broad Oak, East Sussex. Originally, the closure was announced last year, with a consultation period to follow. The Support Broad Oak School group was formed, and a determined campaign was mounted to save the school from closure. Sadly for the campaign, last Monday 9 March ESCC meeting saw the confirmation of the closure of the school. At the meeting which was held in Lewes, Cllr Bob Standley the lead member, confirmed the recommendation for the closure of Broad Oak Community Primary School as approved, details of which are set out in the agenda – HERE
Inez Morse, Head Teacher explained the school’s reaction to the news:
“Broad Oak School community are very disappointed at the decision the lead member has made to close the school. Our thoughts at the moment are with the parents and children and staff of the school who will now have some challenging decisions to make about their futures. The school is a wonderful place to learn and has gone from strength to strength over the last 18 months. We will be proud of our children moving on to other schools in the local area sure of the fine education they have received so far and that they will be a credit to any school. The first days of adjusting to this decision will be very difficult and filled with sadness for us all. The parents, pupils and staff have been outstanding in their dealing with the issues we have faced since July last year, and it has been exhausting for them. I hope the school communities locally will rally round and welcome them all into their communities and build on the strong working relationships we enjoy with our community.”
A representative from the Support Broad Oak Campaign Group vowed to fight on and commented: “We are deeply sad and pained to hear of the Lead Member’s decision to close our beautiful school. Our children are blessed with talented and dedicated teachers focused working in a successful and nurturing environment. We believe that this was not about standards or surplus places as many parents have found that there are no spaces for their children in local schools. Sadly, the landscape of Broad Oak is likely to change beyond reverse especially with the Local Plan in tatters. We remain committed to the school and will discuss the next steps with our legal team. We are devastated. “