Swansea school set for closure despite appeals from parents, pupils and staff

DANIEL James School will close despite emotional appeals from parents, pupils and staff, the Education Minister has ruled.

Swansea Council announced its plans to shut the school in Treboeth last year, with members approving the move in December.

Reasons given for the closure were falling rolls and low standards of education.

Everyone from the school fought long and hard to save it, but yesterday Education Minister Leighton James dealt a final blow and upheld the council's decision.

Upsetting

Ceinwen Thomas, chairwoman of the board of governors, said it had been a very upsetting day.

"I'm devastated," she said. "The head, Rod Francis, told the staff and I went there while he told the pupils. They were shocked, but they were very well behaved. You could see how stunned they were. What's going to happen to them now? We have to accept this decision, although we feel in some areas it's wrong.

"Now the authority (Swansea Council) has got to make sure they have got the right staff there to deliver the curriculum."

In total 29 letters of objection were sent in, as well as a petition containing 703 signatures and a pupil- made DVD.

Those objecting included the board of governors, pupils, parents, teachers and Lord Anderson of Swansea. Val Lloyd, Swansea East AM, who also objected, said she was sincerely disappointed by the decision.

She added: "What we now must focus on is ensuring a smooth transition for all current pupils at Daniel James."

In a letter written to Swansea's director of education Richard Parry, Simon Brindle, deputy director of the Assembly's schools management and effectiveness, said Mr Andrews had carefully considered the objections.

Proposals

The letter also went on to say the minister was of the opinion the proposals will: improve the standard of education provision overall in the area; allow pupils who would otherwise have attended Daniel James to access education at alternative schools which are within a reasonable distance and which can provide education of at least equivalent quality and diversity to that currently on offer at Daniel James.

It means pupils admitted to Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will transfer to Pentrehafod, Morriston and Bishop Gore schools from September 2011, but Year 11 pupils will stay at the school to complete their exams in 2012.

Mike Day, Swansea Council's Cabinet member for education, said: "A decision to close any school is not taken lightly.

"The Assembly has supported the proposal to close Daniel James School, which we believe will result in better outcomes for pupils."

helen.keates@swwmedia.co.uk

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