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FEARNS parents stand up for their school after pupil opt-out snub. The headteacher has issued an open invite to prospective parents to visit the school (website Oct 5) Louise O’Leary: We all have our own thoughts about what is best for our children – but so upset by the fact we where not given a choice! Stephanie Hunt Garside: My daughter went to an ‘outstanding’ rated school until the end of year 9 and hated it, I had no support from the teaching or pastoral staff (I won’t name the school because I don’t think slating any school is good for its current pupils or the greater community). The only school with a place for her for year 10 was Fearns and I’ll be honest, I was worried because of the stories I’d heard. My daughter has just started uni studying Law, she worked hard, had my support and the support of some great teachers, most of whom are still at the school. My son has just started year 10 and is on course for A*s, As and Bs and I’ve already had feedback from some of his teachers. My kids work hard and have had the support I would expect from any high school. I’m asking all of you who are slating the school to please spare a thought for the children who are still there and to stop making it an impossible task for the teaching staff who are trying to provide an education for them. If your children don’t go there then why are you making it your problem? Anne Fitton: My daughter has just left Fearns and her results were brilliant and my son is there I’ve never had a problem with Fearns. Look around before slating it. Gillian Casey: People slate it and they don’t know anything and their kids don’t go, so how can they judge? My daughter goes to Fearns and is doing fantastic. Nathan McLean: A child’s success at school is not about the Ofsted report – it is a combination of the staff, which need to be consistent and remain in post/committed, parents which need to be supportive of the school and its policies and procedure and of course how the child themselves engages at school and applies themselves. Also, why are kids from Rochdale allowed to go to Whitworth High? Surely if it’s a Lancashire County school, then Lancashire County children should be given priority, and not a child from a neighbouring borough. Nick O’Leary: I partly agree but I also find it strange that LCC suggested we look to take our daughter to Todmorden High which is in Calderdale. What is that all about? Emma Nield: Fearns has smaller classes which in my opinion works better, their facilities are fantastic. Instead of bad mouthing the school and staff and the head maybe try supporting them and giving Fearns a chance.