Save our Schools

Bob Russell MP and local Liberal Democrat campaigners have been fighting against Conservative-run Essex County Council's plans to close two schools in south Colchester.

96% of respondents to a public consultation told the County Council they opposed their plans, which would leave the whole of south Colchester without a Secondary School, and lead to massive expansion of Stanway, St. Helena & Philip Morant schools, when most evidence suggest children perform better went sent to smaller schools.

The Conservatives say they are doing it to improve the quality of education in Colchester. But both schools have made significant improvements in recent years, and moving pupils half way through their secondary school education is incredibly disruptive.

It has also been revealed that by 2015, the cost to the taxpayer of bussing children to schools away from their communities will be £400,000 a year, money which could have been spent improving standards in the existing schools.

Bob has formally objected to the County Council's decision, and has met with Vernon Coaker MP, the Schools Minister to discuss it, after the Liberal Democrat Group on the County Council's objections were ignored by the ruling Conservatives. Colchester MP Bob Russell told the Schools Minister that while it was acknowledged there is currently spare capacity in the town's secondary school system, the rising birth-rate and huge new housing developments taking place would mean that this capacity would eventually be needed. Bob will continue to fight to save Alderman Blaxill and Thomas, Lord Audley Schools from closure

We will keep this site updated with developments.