Parents and kids supported Sidmouth school plans

MORE than 60per cent of parents and youngsters polled over the controversial merger of three Sidmouth schools into one were in favour of the move, education chiefs have revealed.

Hundreds of families will be affected when St Nicholas Junior, All Saints Infants and Sidmouth Infants schools become the brand new Church of England Primary School in September.

Devon County Council (DCC), which sealed the move in May, revealed a public consultation that took place from January 11 to February 18 netted 60 responses.

Thirty-seven respondents, 62 per cent, supported proposals- but four also expressed concern.

Fourteen people, 23 per cent, objected while nine, 15 per cent, made observations or had comments or questions.

“Of the 560 responses received, 31 could be clearly identified as being from parents, of which 11 objected and 13 were in agreement, The remaining seven had concerns, comments or questions,” said a DCC officer in a report.

“Consultation was also held with pupils at all three schools. Opinion was mixed but generally, although not exclusively, supportive of the proposal. Of those surveyed- (St Nick’s) Junior School only- 63per cent were in favour and 23per cent against.”

The merger will technically see All Saints and Sidmouth Infants schools ‘close’ and St Nick’s ‘enlarge’ under a different name.

The new institution will operate from all three existing sites.

Headteachers at all three schools hailed the amalgamation as ‘a key decision in moving forward primary education’ in the town.