Closure fears as figures show

jbullen@thekmgroup.co.uk THREE schools in the Canterbury district are more than a third empty, fuelling speculation one could face closure.

Pupil numbers are worryingly low at Chaucer Technology School, Sturry’s Spires Academy and the Whitstable Community College, with all three hugely-undersubscribed for their Year 7 intake this September.

The county council figures show 1,482 youngsters have listed a first preference at one of the district’s 10 schools, leaving an overall shortfall of 151 places – the equivalent to one school’s annual intake.

Schools which fail to fill their classrooms face a reduced budget, which could lead to staff cuts, restricted subject choices and even closure in extreme cases.

The numbers have prompted claims among head teachers that one school could close because there are simply not enough children to fill the district’s schools.

Year 7 at Spires Academy is only 65% full, with numbers unlikely to increase in this year’s intake.

The Community College Whitstable is in a similar situation, with only 116 of its 210 Year 7 places filled and just 112 listed to start in September.

But it’s at Chaucer where the situation is most worrying, with only 90 pupils in Year 7 and just 58 picking it as a first preference for this year.

Five years ago, 202 enrolled at the Spring Lane school, which was recently rocked by the shock departure of head teacher Simon Murphy.

It is now in the process of becoming an academy, with staff hopeful the change will be completed by September.

Acting principal Elizabeth King said: “In a falling demographic and in a selective education system, it is quite likely that some high schools will be affected most in terms of a lower roll.

“In our case, this should not be seen as a reflection of the quality of support and care given to all of our students. What is important is that the parents who have chosen to send their children here, have made a strong, positive decision based on their knowledge about what we offer.

“Furthermore, Chaucer is undergoing a period of intense activity to continue to raise standards, and we expect the roll to rise in the future.”

The prospect of cuts comes despite huge investment in schools in recent years including a £13.4 million redevelopment of Spires Academy which splashed out £125,000 on iPads for all its pupils.

Spires Academy principal Nicki Mat-