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School closure stuns pupils

Bethan Dorsett
10/11/2007

ONE OF Rochdale’s smallest schools is to close before the end of the spring term.

In a shock move, the 16-year-old Emmanuel Christian School announced it will be shutting on 8 Febuary.

Teachers are now working to find the 32 pupils, 19 of whom are over 11 years old, new placements.

One of the Shawclough school’s trustees announced the ‘sad news’ in a statement issued to the Observer on Thursday.

David Percy said: “The closure is due to a reduction in numbers of pupils at the start of this academic year and an inability to replace key members of staff making it a non-viable business.

“Emmanuel School has been established for 16 years in Rochdale.

“Although this news has deeply saddened everyone involved in the school, there have been many successess and exceptional personal achievements throughout the school year.

“There have been some excellent GCSE results and many former pupils have gone on to further and higher education and successful careers.

“The trustees would like to thank staff, parents, pupils and all involved in supporting the school for their cooperation at this difficult time.”

He added that plans for the school‘s building, the one-time Horse Carrs nursing home built in the 19th century by local philanthropist Thomas Watson, are uncertain.

Martha Rao, whose children, Sahana (8) and Samuel (11) are pupils, said: "This is a real bombshell. Some of the parents mnay have been prepared for this, but for me it has come as a huge shock.

"We moved from Australia and chose Rochdale because of the excellent education Emmanuel provides."

Emmanuel is a fee-paying independent school for four to 13-year-olds that was set up to provide children with a stimulating environment through its strong Christian ethos, traditional values and small class sizes.

It started life at Newbold Baptist Church, but later moved to the Shawclough Road site, where its intake grew to 32 pupils - the same number recorded today.

Hearing of the school‘s closure, ward Councillor Elwyn Watkins said: “It is sad news, especially to those3 people who are so keen to give their children a religious education.

“I hope that the pupils do find new places in some of Rochdale‘s other faith schools.”


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(7)


Most recent 2 of 7 user comments

   I went to Emmanuel school for 12 years, from 4 years old all the way through to GCSE's. I was there the very first day it started and loved almost every minute! The relationships, experiences and encouragement I found at that school are not available in state schools or indeed most other independant schools! That school practically saved my life through prayer and support, and 'discipline' only came when it was needed, which is necessary for Christian upbringing as encouraged in the Word. I knew almost every person who went to that school, even after I'd left, and although nobody appreciated the discipline at the time, once out of school they've all said how much they appreciated it because it was out of love and care of each individual.

A huge shame the school had to close.
JMH86, Rochdale
14/10/2008 at 11:39
   I was unfotunate enough to attend this school for a short while. In the 3 months I was there I learnt absolutly nothing. I am not suprised the school has closed down. Most of the staff only ever focused on religion, any thoughts that contridicted their belief was met with ridicule and even punishment. It very nearly put me off God all together. And most of the pupils had no idea about the real world. I really objected when I was told I would go to hell on the odd ocassion. Not the sort of thing you say to a 12 year old.
Kiwikid, New Zealand
18/02/2008 at 05:42
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