Parents 'upset' over schools merger plans

Some parents have reacted angrily over plans to merge two schools with falling pupil numbers.

The Greenshaw Learning Trust, which runs Moat Primary Academy, and nearby Robinswood Primary Academy in Matson, Gloucester, said there aren't enough pupils to sustain two sites, so Moat would close.

Jodean, who has a son in year five, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "My children are so happy to be here, it would be upsetting if it shut."

But Will Smith, chief executive of Greenshaw, said the trust believes "it's in the best children's interests to amalgamate the schools".

The two schools are 10 minutes' walk from each other.

Jess, whose son is in reception at Moat Primary, said the school means a "hell of a lot" to her family.

"My mum's worked here for 20 years, I came here as a pupil," she said.

"All my siblings came here, I always thought I could see him just staying here until he goes off to secondary school. It's just a shame."

Mr Smith said Moat had lots vacancies

A consultation on the proposal is already open, and concludes on 6 December.

If approved, Moat School would close either from 1 September 2025 or 1 September 2026.

"We have many vacancies at Moat, we have a small number at Robinswood," Mr Smith continued.

"I would be surprised if parents didn't respond in a heated way.

"We're talking about children's lives and education, but we always want to give people a chance to ask questions, and we're open as a trust," he added.