Parents' anger at decision to shut down school
PARENTS are demanding answers after being told just days before the end of term their children's private school is to close because of financial problems.
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MONEY PROBLEMS: St Dominic's Independent Junior School, in Hartshill, is to shut at Christmas.
St Dominic's Independent Junior School, in Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, will shut at Christmas after 152 years of educating youngsters on its site. It currently has 65 pupils aged from three to 11.
But families only found out about the decision by chance earlier this week and were informed in writing by the school yesterday afternoon. Pupils at St Dominic's break up on July 15.
The Sentinel has learned one of the school's directors, Robert Brittle, was on holiday in Spain when the announcement was made.
He had known St Dominic's was due to close, but had not informed parents.
At an emergency meeting called by parents last night, families voted for the resignation of Mr Brittle and the rest of the board of directors.
Amparo Alvarez, a doctor who lives in Etruria and sends her two daughters to St Dominic's, said: "They didn't even have the courage to have a meeting with us to explain the decision."
Although people have until December to find other schools, families say they don't want to move their children part-way through the new academic year.
Marie Litherland, who lives in Chesterton and sends her five-year-old son Miles to St Dominic's, said: "We're all devastated. It's such a lovely family school."
Parents are livid after it emerged another private school, St Joseph's Prep School, in Trent Vale, was made aware weeks ago that St Dominic's was shutting.
St Joseph's had organised an open evening on June 23 for affected families. The invitation letters are believed to have been sent to St Dominic's, but were not passed on to parents.
Jeremy Butler, headteacher of St Dominic's, said yesterday he hadn't seen a copy of the letter so he could not comment.
In a statement, the school's directors said: "After being in existence for over 150 years, the closure is a great sadness to everyone involved. The directors extend their thanks to all who have played a part in the life of the school."
Former pupils include TV presenter Wendy Turner-Webster, who said she was sad to hear of the closure, adding: "It's the end of an era."
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by Hope, macclesfield
Sunday, July 19 2009, 1:49PM
“St Dominic's was a great school. Although it had very few students the education they recived was amazing.
My little brother (11) and sister (5) went there and were devestated when they had to move. (Not because of this, family problems meaning they moved house).
My little brother moved to the school knowing nothing, he was a slow learner and had trouble keeping up with people at the primary school he attended before St Dom's. But in the short time he was at St Dom's he came on leaps and bounds. His maths and English skills i would say are better then mine. I've just sat my GCSE's so i know his skills are good and his french skills are amazing.
My little sister on the other hand is only 5 and speaks alot of French. She can write and spell many words including her own name in English. (which isn't that easy, many people spell it wrong).
The school was amazing and i am so pleased with how much it helped my little broter and how much it taught my little sister.”
by Vicki Williams, Stafford
Tuesday, July 07 2009, 11:12AM
“Stafford Prep School is a independant school and will welcome any children from Hartshill school.
We provide transport for pupils aswell which takes the hassle of changing schools.
Tel:01785 251337 for more information”
by N, Stoke-on-Trent
Sunday, July 05 2009, 6:09PM
“I completely agree with S in Crewe - If the board have any decency, they won't be taking their normal reserved seating at the upcoming prize-giving. They are not welcome at what will now be a final celebration of our wonderful school.”
by K, Crewe
Saturday, July 04 2009, 9:15PM
“The parents were well aware of the implications of so few children in the school which is why they have been offering help and support to the Board for the past 18 months. The only reason Mr Butler was unaware of the letters sent from St Josephs was because the Board had communicated the closure to other schools but hadn't had the decency to communicate to the parents "their paying customers". There have been serious failings by this Board, they have failed to communicate on any issue and have seriously neglected the charities money and have definately not acted in the interests of the charity or the school. This wonderful school has one final event of prize giving- a celebration of the success of the children. There feels very little to celebrate for St Dominics this year but I hope the Board don't have the audacity to turn up at that event and destroy the celebration of the childrens success as they have destroyed the school.”
by Gertrude Windsor, Trentham
Saturday, July 04 2009, 1:54PM
“I agree. Hard to see a future for this school now it has so few pupils, and being an independent concern, local government is hardly in a position to save it.
The behaviour of its Directors leaves a lot to be desired however. Perhaps if they could be bothered to adequately communicate with the people paying their wages (ie. the parents) and keep them in the information loop, they wouldn't be in this mess now.
Send them on NVQ courses to improve their people skills, instead of the Taxi drivers, perhaps?”