Opponents of school merger get their way

THE controversial closure of a Bristol primary school and its merger with another has been turned down by the Government, after a campaign by parents, backed by broadcaster David Dimbleby.

- TRISTAN CORK

> TV presenter David Dimbleby, with his daughter Kate and former Hotwells pupil Lila Howe, backed the campaign against the merger

(National Secular Society/SWNS)

The Department for Education has refused an application by the Cathedral Schools Trust to close Hotwells Primary School and use the site to expand Cathedral Primary School.

The DfE's decision sends the Cathedral Schools Trust back to the drawing board on the future of both schools. It had said the closure and merger was needed because of falling numbers at Hotwells and the school becoming financially unsustainable.