PARENTS hugged each other after councillors ignored Government pressure to close their children’s school.

Education officials said there were compelling reasons for closing St Mary’s in Gun Lane, Strood, but parents lobbied Medway council and turned out in force at a cabinet meeting in a bid to keep it open.

Councillors decided to back them and keep the school open for the foreseeable future.

Lisa Crittall, chairman of the Parents and Friends’ Association, said: “We all really thought that was it. We had no idea that they would give us a chance. I can’t believe it.”

Council leader Rodney Chambers said: “This will present the school with very challenging times, particularly for the governors and the management. They must attract more pupils. They must be given the time to turn the school around.”

The proposal to reject the officers’ closure recommendation came from his deputy, finance portfolio holder Alan Jarrett. He said: This is one time when we have to put the price to one side and consider the community we are elected to represent."

Head teacher Heidi Taylor said: “We, the whole school community feel absolutely delighted that the council have put their faith in us. We will not let them down.

“Our standards are already rising and our predicted results for maths and English next year are above the Medway average.

“This has been a traumatic time for the school but nevertheless it has brought the whole school community together and the school therefore, can only benefit from that."

FULL STORY AND PICTURES IN THE NOVEMBER 11 EDITION OF THE MEDWAY MESSENGER