Parents protest over fears three schools in West Sussex could close

Angry parents and pupils staged a protest outside County Hall in Chichester on Thursday over fears three small rural schools in West Sussex could close.

The County Council is considering proposals to close Clapham and Patching C of E Primary School in Worthing, Stedham Primary School in Midhurst and Rumboldswhyke C of E Infant School in Chichester, which all have fewer than 100 pupils.

Another two schools also face an uncertain future under the plans to review and reorganise five of the county's 53 smaller schools.

Recommendations suggest one would relocate and another would join a federation.

The council says schools must not only be big enough to be viable for the future but should be able to offer a broad curriculum too, and change is necessary.

But many families say their children benefit from smaller class sizes and a nurturing environment.

If plans move to the next stage, a consultation process will start in February.

Campaigners say they will fight all the way to keep their schools open.