Cuts to school numbers proposed in 'most deprived areas of the city'

Hertford Infant School in Hollingdean is one of five schools in the city set to see its pupil numbers reduced, with the number of students starting the school reduced from 60 to 30.

The other schools are Moulsecoomb Primary School, Coombe Road Primary School, West Hove Infant School and Benfield Primary School.

The move is in response to falling pupil numbers in some areas in the city, and Brighton and Hove City Council said the changes would ensure all schools could remain open.

But parent Rosaria Garcia said: “The cuts are very unjustified, they have selected a series of schools that are affecting some of the most deprived areas of the city.”

Hertford Infant School has the highest percentage of free school meals in the city - 27.3 per cent - and has been praised for reducing the achievement gap.

It is also rated 'outstanding' by education watchdog Ofsted.

But the council's proposals would see the school cut from a two-class entry to just one class.

Headteacher Zoe Mcguigan said: “You cannot be viable as a one-form entry school, tell me one in the country that exists.”

Parents and teachers spoke out at the consultation event at Hertford Infant School on Thursday, October 5, to discuss the plans, which if approved, will go ahead in 2019.

Richard Barker, head of school organisation at the council, spoke at the meeting, and moved to reassure parents that no decisions have been made.

Kyle Chambers, co-chairman of the Hertford Foundation, said: “We asked a dozen times and they did not answer why Balfour or Downs were not considered.

“It seems like an ironic reward for being classed outstanding by Ofsted.”

Mrs Mcguigan said cutting the school by one class in each year group would be cutting it by 50 per cent compared to only 25 per cent for four-class entry schools in the area.

She added the parents’ group was strong and would not stop fighting for their children's right to a good education.

The parents’ group has started a petition here.

Meetings have taken place at Coombe Road and Hertford Infants, and further meetings are planned for West Hove Infant School (School Road) from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, October 11, Benfield Primary from 3.30pm to 5pm on Thursday, October 12, West Hove Infant (Connaught Road) from 3.30pm to 5pm on November 1

To find out more, visit: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/schooladmissions