The British Humanist Association (BHA) has given a cautious welcome to news that Dorset County Council has withdrawn its plans to close Swanage First School.
Andrew Copson, BHA Director of Education and Public Affairs, responding to the news said, ‘It appears that the strength of feeling expressed by those in Swanage and the surrounding area against losing its only Community primary school may have forced the Council to rethink. Hopefully they will come forward with revised plans that will ensure that families continue to have access to a state school other than a religious one’.
Last year the Council put forward proposals to close the Community School, as part of plans to re-organise education in the area. Had the plan been accepted it would have meant that the nearest non-denominational Community primary school to Swanage would have been over 15 miles away, forcing many families in the area to send their children to a faith school. The BHA assisted the community led campaign against these plans, including by attending meetings in Swanage itself to support local efforts.
Alison Stephens, a parent governor at Swanage First School who was involved in the campaign to save the school, commented, ‘We are pleased that Dorset County Council are reconsidering, but it is very early days and we are hoping to work closely with other Swanage schools to ensure a positive solution for all and the very best educational future for our children.’
The BHA has promised its further support to local campaigners in the autumn.
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For further comment or information, contact Andrew Copson on 020 7079 3584 or 020 3675 0959.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief. It is the largest organisation in the UK working for a secular state.