Parents and staff stunned as historic Worthing school closes

Sandhurst School in Brighton Road announced the closure on Tuesday, June 3, sending out letters to parents the same day.

The school, which opened in 1907, will close on July 10, because it can "no longer continue to offer the standard of education acceptable to parents, or continue to function economically".

Herald education reporter Kirsty Hanlon spoke to parents at the school gates on Tuesday.

Parents' reaction

Gemma Strutt said: "I have been at work today, but have spent six hours on the telephone trying to find a new school.

"One school I contacted already had a waiting list of 60 children for 30 places."

Nicola Collins said: "I am surprised.

"We have been given no notice at all and the school didn't seem interested in talking to me when I made contact.

"I have been at work all day and a friend texted me the news."

Mohan Saimbi said: "I came to the school and so did my siblings.

"I am gutted as it is a really good school and my daughter has done fantastically well here."

Karen Boote said: "I have been trying to find my daughter a new school since January as I have been unhappy with Sandhurst."

Nicola Sheeran said: "I won't have a bad word said against Sandhurst as it has done wonders for my son.

"I have written the teachers a letter to say thank you for everything they have done over the years."

Head's sadness

Headmistress Angela Glover said: "I am personally deeply saddened and upset that we have had to reach this point.

"I have given many years of my personal life to supporting, teaching and leading the staff at Sandhurst.

"As headmistress, I am anxious that the children should have the opportunity of continuing their education from the excellent start which they have been given at Sandhurst."

Trustees' statement

A statement from the trustees said: "The decision to close the school has been made after the trustees have explored every realistic possibility of keeping it open.

"The trustees reached this decision after considering all other options, such as mergers, additional funding and partial redevelopment.

"We have been working very hard to avoid this course of action. There is, however, no alternative.

"The trustees will, of course, do everything they can to facilitate the transfer of pupils to new schools."

Report and fees

According to the school website, fees in 2007 were 1,079 to 1,347 per pupil per term, depending on age, and there were also additional fees per term for stationery, lunches and swimming.

An Ofsted report in November, 2007, said the school provided satisfactory education, but its provision for the welfare, health and safety of the pupils was inadequate.

And, while the school buildings are secure, there were significant health and safety issues which needed to be addressed.

Are you a parent trying to find a new school place for your child?

What do you think?

Does your child attend Sandhurst?

How difficult is it to find a new school for them?

Are you a former pupil? Share your memories with Herald readers.

Comment in the space below, contact education reporter Kirsty Hanlon on 01903 282347 or email her at [email protected], call or write in to Readers' Letters, Worthing Herald series, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA.

Comment

As a parent of children at Sandshurst School I feel the trustees of the school should hang their heads in shame.

Along with many other parents we were proud to be customers of this lovely traditional school.

However, in recent times the fees have increased by a large percentage and many of the best teachers have left due to low rates of pay.

In the six years we have been at the school the trustee board have never come out to meet the parents.

Why bother being a trustee if you don't want to be seen?

Parents would have been happy to lend their support and expertise but the trustees hid away.

I understand they will be present at a meeting later this week which I fear will be too late.

Over 100 years of tradition wasted by selfish trustees who didn't know when it was time to pass on their responsibility to younger and more willing people.

Other private schools in Worthing are very busy so blaming the economy does not wash!

For the benefit of doubt we do not blame the current head teacher, a lovely caring lady who has done her best to keep things going.

James

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