Thousands sign save our school petitons

Reporter MORE than 6,000 people have signed petitions opposing the proposed closure of South Shields School.

South Tyneside Council issued a statutory notice for the closure of the school on Nevinson Avenue after it failed to find an academy sponsor.

The secondary school is facing the prospect of closure on August 31, 2020.

While the council received 129 requests for pupil transfers to other schools following the changes, a campaign has been launched to keep the school open.

On Thursday, two “Save South Shields School” petitions were submitted at a full council meeting at South Shields Town Hall, with a total of 6,630 signatures.

This included an online petition with 2,738 signatures – 984 from people living in South Tyneside – and a petition with 3,892 3 892 signa signa- physical tures.

The council’s mayor, Coun Ken Stephenson added the petitions were not up for debate at the meeting and would be referred to council officers for consideration.

The move to take South Shields School out of local authority control was triggered after it received an “inadequate” rating from Ofsted last year.

It is understood its failure to attract an academy sponsor was linked to falling pupil numbers, which had an impact on the long-term viability of the school.

In a statement, head teacher of South Shields School, Allie Denholm, praised the “humbling level of support” from parents and carers.

“It has been extremely motivating for everyone connected to the school and has been a tremendous support for all staff here,” she said.

“I want to reassure everyone involved that myself and my incredi- ble team of teaching and support staff here at South Shields School will continue to provide the highest level of care and education to our students.

“Our Year 10 and 11 students have made rapid improvements since the start of the school year.

“That level of dedication from our students has been matched with a humbling level of support from parents and carers. As always, we remain fully committed to the wellbeing and success of every student here.”

A South Tyneside Council spokeswoman added: “The petitions will be considered through the appropriate channels as per the council’s constitution.”

The latest consultation on the school proposals is due to last four weeks, ending on December 19, during which anyone can submit comments.

Following this, education rules mean the council has two months to make a decision on the school’s future, which is expected to be done when cabinet meets on January 23. Teachers, parents and pupils outside South Shields School, which has been earmarked for closure