Fears over renowned deaf school

Campaigners say the proposals will lead to a loss of expertise

Campaigners say one of London's few schools for the deaf is under threat following plans to relocate the site.

Camden Council is considering proposals to close Frank Barnes School in Harley Road, Swiss Cottage, and use the site as a future City Academy.

The school is the only one in London where the curriculum is delivered in British Sign Language and campaigners say its closure would be a blow.

A final decision on the north London school will be made in March next year.

Children from across London attend the school because of its reputation.

Polly Burton's four-year-old daughter Isabella has been attending the school since September last year.

A school is not a building, it is a community of learners and their teachers and support staff Councillor John Bryant

She travels from Brixton to Camden because of the quality of education the school is able to provide.

"Isabella is a bright child who was falling behind in her mainstream nursery because she was in an impoverished linguistic environment," said Ms Burton. "

"Since attending Frank Barnes for just over a year now Isabella has blossomed."

Camden Council are deciding tonight whether to go ahead with a consultation on the future of pupils from the school.

Councillor John Bryant: "A school is not a building, a school is a community of learners and their teachers and support staff and keeping those communities is more important than the building that they occupy."