Schools face closure in shake-up

Three Bristol primary schools are facing closure as part of a £46m plan to transform education in the city.

St George's Church of England School on Brandon Hill, St Pius Catholic School in Withywood and Stockwood Green Primary could be closed by 2013.

Up to 10 new schools would be built, some primaries would merge, 15 would be expanded and 18 refurbished.

Bristol City Council's plans are open to eight weeks of consultation with the deadline for comments being 18 July.

Unique

Councillor Peter Hammond, deputy leader and cabinet member for cohesion and raising achievement, said: "This project is not just about improving school buildings.

"It is about transforming primary education in Bristol and continuing to raise standards of achievement.

"Bristol schools are changing fast and we are working to make a real difference to children in our city, ensuring they receive the best possible education throughout their primary school years and beyond."

But Claire Gundry, head teacher of St George's said: "They're asking for additional places in the city and we believe we could be expanded here to make us a slightly bigger school.

"[However], small schools are unique. Parents travel from far and wide to travel here because we are the only school of this type in the city and I think we should be staying here."