Statutory Notice Representations

Participation Metrics

Metric	Value
Visitors	156
Phase participants	10
Participation rate	6.4%
Surveys submitted	10
Completion rate	100.0%

Participation over time

Questions

Total 10 responses

10/10 responses

1. Please provide any comments or representations you wish to make on the Statutory Notice to close Middle Street Primary School on 31 August 2026.

10/10 responses

Responses

Although on the surface there seems to be a clear logic to the reasons behind the closure there are many unanswered questions.  Listing below: -When were the key risks of the rapid declined of the school position identified? -How were these escalated? -Were the decision-makers provided with a full and consistent account of that chronology? -Where consultees provided with sufficient information at a formative stage? -Did confidentiality constrains limit meaningful understanding of the issues? -What specific steps were taken to explore the various alternatives to closure? -Which organisations were approached? -What financial or operational assumptions were applied? -What transitional support mechanism were considered?  Also important to note that the timing and communication of the proposal seems to have have contributed to the declining pupil numbers and therefore having direct impact on the outcome. With the uncertainty families were encouraged to leave rather than guaranteeing  a non disruptive transition to other schools after the end of the school year. There is evidence in the public domain of governance instability, including the transition to an Interim Executive Board. There is a need for explicit considerations on the factors that contributed to the school position and lack of clarity on whether these have been adequately investigated.  And last but not least the identification of disproportionate impact on several groups, including pupils with SEND, families from minority backgrounds, EAL families and vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds.

As the Brighton population is growing, it’s best keep as many school as possible. Some children cannot cope with bigger school and having some options that children feel confident to have a school like middle steer is very important.

Don’t close this down!!

How about making 3 form entry primaries 2 form entry!

I strongly object to the proposed closure of Middle Street Primary School and urge councillors to reject this decision. This closure is not an unavoidable outcome — it is the result of failure. Middle Street was not historically an undersubscribed school. It had a waiting list and a strong, positive reputation. It is a unique, central Brighton school offering exceptional opportunities such as beach school and strong SEN provision. It is a vital part of the community. What has happened here is a clear case of mismanagement and ignored warnings. Serious concerns about leadership, governance, and the direction of the school were raised by parents and the wider community, yet these concerns were not acted on in time. Audit findings have since confirmed multiple failures in oversight and financial management. The narrative that falling pupil numbers caused this situation is misleading. The opposite is true. Falling numbers are the consequence of lost confidence — a direct result of inaction and poor leadership. This has created a self-fulfilling downward spiral which is now being used to justify closure. It is unacceptable that children and families are now being asked to pay the price for systemic failures that were allowed to continue unchecked. This is a political choice. Labour councillors, with a clear majority, have the power to stop this closure. Choosing to proceed regardless would represent a failure of accountability and leadership. It would signal that mistakes can be buried through closure rather than properly addressed. A “lessons learned” exercise after the fact is not enough. Accountability must come before irreversible decisions are made. The community deserves transparency, honesty, and the chance to recover — not a rushed closure process driven by problems that should have been tackled years ago. We are asking for time — time to stabilise, rebuild trust, and implement a credible recovery plan. With proper oversight and support, there is a real opportunity to restore confidence and pupil numbers. Closing Middle Street would not just be the loss of a school. It would be the loss of a thriving, distinctive community asset in the heart of the city — one that has been failed, not one that has failed. Councillors must decide whether they are willing to take responsibility for this situation, or whether they will allow its consequences to fall on children and families. I urge you to reject this closure and commit instead to saving the school.

It is a travesty that the school is being closed. It’s is a progressive, nurturing, unique school that serves not only families living in central Brighton but children from further afield that seek a one form entry, secular school.  The school has faced attack from every angle and has weathered a very difficult few years. With support from the council to rebuild, I believe the school has a future. The financial difficulties it faces are not unique and senior leadership has been asking for support and guidance to redress this for years. It feels as though the council has given up and has alterior motives for closing it down, the families and staff are now suffering the consequences.

I’m writing to object to the proposed closure of Middle Street Primary School. The public consultation results speak for themselves. 84% of respondents opposed the closure. That reflects just how important this school is to the community. It offers a unique, inclusive and supportive environment, especially for children with special educational needs and those who don’t thrive in larger schools. What’s particularly frustrating is that many families feel the current situation didn’t have to get this far.  The Local Authority should have done more to support, protect and properly manage the school, rather than allowing things to decline and then moving quickly to closure. The process has felt rushed and poorly handled, and that has only made things worse for our children. Middle Street’s central location is also vital. For many families living in the city centre -  especially those without cars -  it’s an accessible and practical option. Losing it will mean longer journeys, more disruption, and added pressure on children who are already vulnerable. Middle Street School is part of Brighton’s identity and community, and once it’s gone, it can’t be replaced. Please reconsider this decision, take responsibility for the role the council has played, and properly explore alternatives that could still keep the school open.

My daughter attended Middle Street. It was unlike any other school I had experienced (I worked in education in many schools as an NHS visiting professional for many years). The school’s approach to education, academic, social experience and care was not matched in the city or beyond. The location meant that my daughter could stay at the school when we moved, a city centre school with the excellent transport links can Mae a huge difference to the ease of daily life for many families.  A short period of upheaval which appears to be caused at least in part by costly paid management absence (I appreciate I don’t have the full picture) when this could be resolved in time with the skilled and stable management team I would hope.  The loss of a vibrant and central school is a loss to the city.

We need to encourage family with children in Brighton or it will die. My son attended here and was happy. We lived locally and still do so could just about get there, anywhere else would have been too far as no car (which is supposedly encouraged), my son was at The Nursery Class and then infants which we desparately need. Populations fluctuate.

do not close