Parents Fight Closure of Rock Hall School
The parents of children who go to Rock Hall School, near Alnwick were devastated when they were told the school would close. All had chosen the school because it offered a unique curriculum, high academic standards and an amazing school environment.
When the Chairman of Governors wrote to them announcing that a mixture of red tape, rising costs and falling rolls would see the school shut at the end of the school year, the reaction was utter disbelief. Now, however, a determined group of Parents has decided to challenge the closure. At a meeting last night, a steering group was set up, with one aim – to mount a campaign to “Save our School in Six weeks”.
To give prospective parents and their children the chance to see Rock Hall School firsthand an open afternoon is being held on Sunday 8th January.
The parents are all committed to the uniqueness of Rock, and that it is definitely worth fighting for. With Cricket, Rugby and Football tournaments with other schools, 2 – 3 theatre trips per annum, and three concerts a year, this is no ordinary preparatory school. Academically, children find plenty to challenge and to interest them. Eight year olds learn Latin, while the world’s other key language, Spanish, is introduced to children at aged 6.
From a child’s first days at Rock Hall School, the sole aim is to give pupils the best possible start to their education. Throughout all years, class sizes remain small, and the focus stays on the individual needs of every pupil. Children are nurtured to bring out their best individual talents. Education offers both variety and balance. Study programmes provide challenge and engagement. The school ethos focuses on social and environmental skills, discipline and independence.
Commenting on their “Save our School” campaign, Robert Cook a parent and one of the committee said: “It would be such a shame if Northumberland’s only Independent school offering education between 3 and 13 were to close. Rock Hall School is a very special place with many unique features and we are determined to keep it open. By showing what it can provide to other parents it is one step towards achieving our goal.”
“The school really does offer is teaching and education how it used to be – the classes are small, it encourages fun in the great out doors, and the activities are amazing. It has its own leek club, they have tea parties, help with the gardening, feed the chickens and watch the wildlife, and every day they count the red squirrels.”
The steering committee’s commitment is reflected in their plan to try to save the school. One member said, “We not only want to safeguard our own children’s education and the staff of the school, but we want Rock Hall School to continue to thrive as an integral part of the Northumberland community. For over 25 years the school has produced great talent which we all should be proud of and certainly want to continue under Lalage Bosanquet’s leadership”
The qualities in the school they want to preserve they believe are unique in the county – this is reiterated by Lucia Bridgeman who has children have all attended the school: “This is not just a Primary and Middle School it is Rock Hall School and it offers children the highest levels of education and much much more.”
“We have a 6 week window to preserve a school with a fantastic reputation for pastoral care, academic achievement, excellence in music and drama, and all in the most beautiful rural back drop. For 27 years it has given children the best start in the most unique rural setting, with many pupils have going on to the finest UK universities.”
She concludes: “If the seed is well planted and cared for, it will flourish later and this has certainly been the case for so many children and so many of the pupils who have passed through the doors during the last 27 years.”
The aim of the open afternoon is for parents and their children to experience for themselves this warm and special atmosphere that Rock Hall School makes for learning. Rock Hall School is a happy, diverse and above all encouraging place for learning. To ensure that there are opportunities for each individual pupil to flourish and develop there is real diversity for the children in their working day. The committee believes the best way to believe this, is to see it in action.
To register your interest in attending the open day please contact, Lucia Bridgeman via email – [email protected] or the school directly on 01665 579 224. ENDS…………..
