Council close troubled school with 'immediate effect'

A troubled primary school has been closed ‘with immediate effect’ following drastic intervention by council bosses.

Bollin Primary School in Bowdon has been shut down amid an ongoing dispute involving the headteacher, school governors, school staff and parents.

Education bosses say action had been take due to concerns about the ‘reduced capacity of the senior leadership’ team.

An investigation has also been launched into mobile phone footage appearing to show parents and staff members ‘having a party’ on the school premises on Friday.

The shock closure comes after teachers walked out on strike on Thursday in a row over workload, “excessive scrutiny” and an “obsession” with data relating to pupil progress.

A group of parents took their concerns further by launching a campaign to oust headteacher Michelle Brindle, who started at Bollin in September.

Tensions reached new heights on Thursday with parents gathered at the school gates with placards calling for the head to be sacked.

Mrs Brindle has previously defended her leadership, arguing that the school had a “long line” of exciting things ahead this year.

Another parent who has two children at the school says she is ‘absolutely furious’ and is having to take unpaid leave.

She says the council have been forced to shut the school following a ‘bullying’ campaign by parents, teachers and the NUT to remove the headteacher and deputy head.

She said:

One parent says 'bullying' pressure group caused closureNot all parents are happy.

One said school closure is the result of a ‘bullying’ pressure group’s campaign to remove the headteacher.

Once all the children are picked up its not known how long it will be until it reopens.