Reject closure of last non-faith school in Bristol neighbourhood – Humanists UK tells DfE

Humanists UK has called on decision makers in Bristol to reject proposals to merge Hotwells Primary School, a school of no religious character, with a Church of England Primary school. If the decision went ahead, it would see the last non-faith community school in the local area closed, and limit school options for non-Christian parents. 

In its letter to the Department for Education’s Regional Director for the South West, Humanists UK has warned against the closure of Hotwells creating a monopoly of Church of England schools in the immediate area, with the next nearest school with no religious character being a 30-minute walk away. Humanists UK called on the Regional Director to reject the decision, which is being considered on 19 November. 

There is sustained public opposition to the proposal by the Cathedral Schools Trust. A petition to save Hotwells Primary School has been launched, which has already almost 1,500 signatures, and also been supported by David Dimbleby, whose grandchildren went to the school. According to the 2021 Census, over 51% of the population of Bristol identify as having ‘no religion’.

Humanists UK campaigns for a fully inclusive education system, regardless of religion or belief, and supports parents, staff, and communities to oppose the closure or religious takeover of community schools. 

Humanists UK’s Education Campaigns Manager Lewis Young said:

‘The proposal by the Cathedral Schools Trust to take over the only non-faith school in the Hotwells area and leave non-Christian families with no options for local primary education flies in the face of parental choice and the make-up of the local community.

‘The local community is clear that this is the wrong decision for their children. We hope decision makers will listen to their views and reject this merger proposal.’