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Protesters see red in Sheffield school closure battle

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Published Date: 09 November 2009
"KEEP your hands off our school!"
That was the message from hundreds of pupils and parents who gathered at Abbeydale Grange Secondary in a 'last stand' protest against the school's impending closure.

Scores of children, teachers and governors held up red cards in a bid to get Sheffield Council to halt their plans to close the school.

Community governor Martin Windle said: "Our message to the council is for them to pull their fingers out and keep this school open.

"This is our last stand. A lot has been written and talked about this school, but we are a few weeks away from the council's decision now.

"When it comes down to it we can only ask the council to understand that this school presents a unique environment for hundreds of kids, and it does a wonderful job for the community.

"The schools in this locality are all oversubscribed. Can they cope with even more pupils?

"We all need to stand together on this, and keep our school open."

Ongoing closure consultations are due to lead to a final report going before Sheffield Council's cabinet in December.

Education bosses say the school attracts too few students to be viable and educational standards are too low.

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  • Last Updated: 09 November 2009 8:54 AM
  • Source: Sheffield Star
  • Location: Sheffield
 
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1

Turnaround,

Sheffield 09/11/2009 09:36:08
It is about time the Councillors listened to the electorate. I know the LEA Officers want to close the school - yes it is small, yes it DID have poor results. It is now the 7th most improved school in Sheffield, thanks to our interim head. Ofsted and two Local Authority Inspections have all concluded that the school is "making satisfactory progress towards coming out of special measures". How then can the LEA Officers stillconsider it is a failing school with low level of results. I have been told by at least two Liberal Democrat councillors that they do not want the school to close but the have to follow the party line. Come on Lib Dem Councillors - stand up for local democracy!
2

A fellow education professional,

09/11/2009 10:18:59
It's time you heard the whole story. See the video at:

www.saveabbeydalegrange.co.uk
3

Dave Farrell,

Sheffield 09/11/2009 12:19:55
Standards are too low at every Sheffield school. What makes Abbeydale different?

Could it be the value of the land?
4

all seeing eye,

10/11/2009 08:41:39
Roll up roll up its the big lib dem asset sale! Get your prime building land at a knock down price as Sheffield has a fire sale! Roll up roll up!
5

Charles Farleigh,

Bradway 10/11/2009 10:01:00
If the Council is claiming that AG is a failing school then surely this is a sign of a failed Council.
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