Parents launch legal action over Bristol schools merger plan

Local TV

Parents are launching legal action following the proposed merger of two primary schools with concerns it would not be in the best interests of their children.

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00:00For many families Hotwells Primary School and Cathedral Primary School are more than just

00:07places to learn. They're part of daily life rooted in local communities where children

00:12can walk to school alongside their friends and siblings. But with a decision expected

00:18soon from the Department for Education, parents say they are worried those connections could

00:23be lost. The Cathedral Schools Trust hopes a merger between the schools will maximise

00:29resources and deliver what it describes as the best education possible. A spokesperson

00:35said falling pupil numbers in the region were a key factor and that the Trust highly values

00:41the views of families. They added that the proposal builds on what they called an already

00:47close working relationship between the two schools. But parents at Hotwells Primary believe

00:53their concerns have not been fully addressed. Alistair Cameron, who has children in reception

00:58year 5, said consultations felt contradictory and unclear, describing the plans as short-sighted.

01:06Parents say the schools are about a mile apart, raising questions about logistics, travel and

01:12whether children will still be able to walk to school. Some are also concerned that the

01:17merger could reduce secular provision and mean brothers and sisters attending different sites.

01:24Bristol City Council is not responsible for either school but has said it wants to keep small

01:30schools open. Councillor Christine Townsend wants the Trust to listen to parents. The Department

01:36of the Department of Education is now considering the proposals and is expected to make a decision soon.

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