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Mum says school closure would be 'heartbreaking'

Josh CannNorth West
News imageLDRs A young girl in a white dress, and her mother in a flowery dress, stand in front of pink, silver and white balloons. In the background there is a large chandelier hanging over a bar, with tables and chairs. LDRs
Helen and her daughter Anais

The potential closure of a primary school has been described by parents as "heartbreaking" and "short-sighted".

St Teresa's RC primary school in Stretford, Greater Manchester, could shut under proposals set out by Trafford Council despite it having earned a "good" rating from Ofsted inspectors.

Helen, whose two daughters are pupils at the school, said: "For many families, St Teresa's is more than a school - it is a close-knit community."

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said the school was "no longer financially viable" due to low pupil numbers but added that no final decision had yet been reached about its future.

Helen praised the school's staff for "going above and beyond every day".

She said: "Many families specifically chose this school because of its Catholic values, smaller classrooms and a strong sense of care and belonging.

"Parents deserve clear assurances about whether sufficient places will even be available in other faith schools."

'Human impact'

The council did not respond directly to questions about how many places were available at Roman Catholic primary schools in Stretford, or what alternatives it had considered to closing St Teresa's.

Helen said there was a "very real human impact" on the children who attend the school.

"Their friendship groups, trusted teachers, routines and support systems cannot be replicated elsewhere," she added.

A spokeswoman for the council said a consultation was taking place to ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their thoughts, and meetings will be held for parents and other stakeholders later this month.

Speaking on behalf of a wider group of parents, Helen said they felt the council's reasons for potentially closing the school were "financially and strategically short-sighted" due to the number of new homes being planned in Stretford and Trafford.

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