Express & Star

'You don't give a damn': Parents slam proposed closure of Coseley School

Published
Last updated

Dozens of parents gathered to voice their anger at the possible closure of Coseley School during a heated meeting last night.

more

Around 80 parents, pupils and staff assembled in the secondary school's hall to air their growing concerns following a consultation launched by Dudley Council over a proposal to shut the school.

Questions were fired at the board, which included Councillor Ian Cooper, cabinet member for children's services and Grenville Earney, council adviser for secondary schools.

They were asked if enough had been done to prevent this situation from happening.

The board, including Ian Cooper, left, came under fire from those who attended the public meeting

Reporter David Callaghan was at the public meeting:

[tweet id="697850848790052864"]

[tweet id="697851155121106945"]

[tweet id="697852615615447040"]

[tweet id="697852873032495104"]

[tweet id="697865401867309057"]

[tweet id="697870292127981568"]

Maggie Hubbard, who has a daughter in Year 11, said: "My daughter is worried sick that she's going to let the school down with bad grades, even though we all know the decision to close it has already probably been made."

She added: "You don't give a damn about the kids or this school."

School governor Sue Ridney makes notes during the meeting

When asked what would happen to pupils if the school was to close, the board said there would be a formal admissions process sent out the day after the decision for parents to fill out for school preferences.

Parents were also told they would not receive any money back from the school for uniforms if they live outside the Dudley borough.

Councillor Cooper said: "Any decision we take is for the benefit of the pupils and children involved, and it's been an ongoing issue for the last four years."

The consultation ends on April 5.