Controversial plans to close a South Staffordshire middle school have been scrapped by education bosses amid furious protests, it was revealed today.

The U-turn over the future of Bilbrook Middle School comes following a six-week consultation with parents, teachers and villagers, which saw hundreds join the fight to save it.

Staffordshire County Council wanted to close the school because of falling pupil numbers.

But Councillor Liz Staples, cabinet member for education, today said the controversial proposal would be withdrawn.

She added a number of alternate proposals would be looked at instead, although declined to reveal exactly what they were.

Parents, teachers and youngsters were celebrating today the news.

Headteacher Frances Burgess said: “We are delighted with the decision.

“We are so grateful to all the students, parents and members of local community who supported the school through this.”

Parent Judy Clews, whose 10-year-old son Ryan goes to the school, said she was “absolutely elated”.

The 42-year-old mother of two, who was educated at Bilbrook Middle School, said: “There was a great buzz at the school today.

“We are all so happy. I know all the pupils are very relieved.”

Bilbrook governor Roger Timbrell added the board was glad the council had listened to them during the consultation. There were more schools against this proposal than for it,” he said.

Bilbrook Middle, which opened in 1976, has space for 351 pupils, but has currently just 128 on its roll. This is expected to continue to fall.

Angry parents who set up the Facebook page Save Bilbrook Middle School from Closure, which has more than 250 followers, took to the site to air their joy.

Debra Higgs wrote: “Great news lots of parents can stop worrying themselves sick now.” If a decision had been made to close the school, youngsters in Years 5, 6 and 7 would have instead been sent to Codsall Middle School, although parents were told they were welcomed to choose other schools with places available. Youngsters moving up to middle school would have been sent to Codsall Middle or Perton Middle.

Councillor Staples said today: “The formal consultation period ended on Monday and the six-week consultation produced a wide range of views and other options.

“As a result, the county council intends to withdraw the proposal to close Bilbrook and change middle school catchment areas.

“Cabinet will not therefore consider the closure proposal on 20 July as originally indicated. Instead, I will use my delegated powers as cabinet member to withdraw the closure proposals for the time being to allow officers, schools and members to explore alternative proposals that have been put forward during the consultation period.”