Primary school saved from closure

St Andrew's could close because pupils could be placed elsewhere

A Guernsey primary school that was facing closure will stay open but two others could still be shut, the States has confirmed.

The States was considering shutting La Mare De Carteret School as part of a review of future pupil numbers.

Members will debate whether to close St Andrew's Primary and St Sampson's Infants later this year.

Campaign groups have been formed across the island to protest at the possible closures.

Martin Ozanne, the minister for the Education Department, released a statement announcing the plans on Friday.

He said the department had decided that La Mare catered to a "social need" in the local community.

St Andrew's Primary and St Sampson's Infants could close because their pupils could be placed elsewhere, he said.

Kevin Hinshaw, head teacher at La Mare, said there was a huge sense of relief at the decision.

But Alasdair McLaren, chairman of St Andrew's Parent Teachers Association, vowed to make the possible school closures an election issue.

Angela Pattimore, a member of a group campaigning to protect the future of St Sampson's Infant School, said parents were very angry and the current situation left the school with an uncertain future.