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St Bees School to close its doors - but for how long?

The 432-year-old independent school is to close, following falling pupil numbers.

There have been protests against the governors' decision, and it's hoped the school will open in some form, in 2017.

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Parent reacts to St Bees closure

"This school should not be closing, 432 years of education on this site the governors should hang their heads n shame"

– Ruth Gilbert, Parent

Pupil 'devastated' as St Bees closes its doors

St Bees. Credit: ITV Border

As pupils at St Bees School, in West Cumbria, leave today, they know that the doors could be closing for good.

The school's governors announced it would be closing earlier on this year, because of falling pupil numbers.

A project team has been set up to analyse the options, and they say the school could re-open in 2017.

But it's been a difficult morning for many of the pupils there:

I'm completely devastated. It's been a really hard morning."

– Lydia Tuck, Pupil

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St Bees School to close its doors on 'saddest day'

St Bees School. Credit: ITV Border

St Bees School will close this afternoon, following a lengthy battle between governors and people campaigning against the decision.

In March, the governors announced the 432-year-old school would have to close because of falling pupil numbers.

The Save St Bees Campaign was set up to reverse the decision, and a project team was then formed to look at the options.

They say the school could re-open in 2017, in a different form.

But today, the school's doors will close, and Save St Bees say it's "the saddest day in the 432-year history":

This is the saddest day in the 432 year history of our school. Many will have to look to themselves and live with what has happened.

Those who were entrusted with being guardians of our school and our children have failed miserably. They continue to hide from the shame.

Let them. We will learn from their failings. In going forward we will make sure when our school reopens, it will be run in an open and transparent way - engaging with all of its stakeholders.

For the sake of our children, today we are celebrating a school that for years brought great joy and harmony to pupils, parents, staff and the local community.

Someday soon, we will once again be celebrating our school's achievements and its magnificent pupils."

– Save St Bees Campaign

The school has 300 pupils, and employs 130 staff.

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