Threat of Closure
Due to the uncertain economic climate and consistently falling pupil numbers, in late March 2012 the Governors took the decision to close the school in July as being no longer economically viable. The possibility of converting Chetwynde into a free school was explored as Barrow MP John Woodcock wrote to the Minister for Education Nick Gibb about a possible late application, however it was found Chetwynde did not meet the necessary government criteria.
A group of parents against the closure formed the "Chetwynde Support Group" (CSG) to collect funds from the local community and businesses in hopes of keeping the school open. As of 20 April 2012, the total of fundraising is £370,000 - raised in just three weeks. By May, the total had reached £461,000.
A meeting held by the Board of Governors, representatives from Barclays Bank and the CSG took place on 16 May 2012. Two days later it was announced that the banks supporting the school were "satisfied with the work that has been done" and all parties agreed that the school will remain open for the 2012-13 school year provided there is a minimum enrolment of 220 pupils. The board also took the decision to stand down from their positions of responsibility, which meant that should the school open for the academic year beginning in September, a new interim board will be appointed and will consist of some CSG members.
Read more about this topic: Chetwynde School
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