Parents' anger at decision to shut down school

by Kathie McInnes

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.

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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