School at risk of closing due to drop in students

A consultation has begun on plans to close a historic school in Brighton because of falling pupil numbers.

The Diocese of Arundel and Brighton launched the consultation on Wednesday on proposals to close St Joseph's Catholic Primary School next August.

It comes months after councillors voted in favour of plans to shut two other primary schools in the city - St Peter's in Portslade and St Bartholomew's in Brighton - due to excess places.

The school and diocese said in a statement: "The governing body and leadership team at St. Joseph’s have faced significant challenges in maintaining enrolment levels sufficient to support the school’s financial sustainability."

The statement said the proposal was a "direct consequence of the significant challenges faced by falling rolls across the city".

"There are currently 29% surplus places at St Joseph’s, with this figure forecast to increase adding further financial pressure on the school."

The diocese said in a letter as part of the consultation that if the closure was confirmed, existing pupils would be offered a place at another school.

The letter explained that the school had been consistently under-subscribed in recent years, with pupil numbers falling short of the school’s published admission number each year.

"This means it will become increasingly difficult for the school to remain financially viable and to provide good outcomes for pupils," it said.

The school, which first opened in 1879, said in a letter to parents that every effort had been made to increase pupil numbers.

The potential closure has already sparked a petition opposing the move, which has gained hundreds of backers.

The consultation ends on 17 January.

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