School merger online petition
Published: 14:49, 31 October 2012
An online petition against merging Walmer Science College and Castle Community College has been handed in.
With 646 signatures collected since the petition was started in September by mum Jenny Smith, it is another clear indication that the proposal is unpopular in Deal.
The petition was given to Mike Whiting, KCC cabinet member for education, learning and skills, who will make the decision.
Mrs Smith, whose two children attend Walmer Science College, said: “We’ve got some strong comments from teachers and pupils.
“The majority of people I have spoken to are against bringing the two schools together.”
Mrs Smith, of Fairview Gardens, Deal, said: “Disruption, loss of individuality for pupils and the sheer size of one school are reasons we don’t want this to happen.”
She added: “We chose Walmer for my son who is in Year 7, because of the small classes.
“My daughter is in Year 9 and about to start her GCSEs next year. She doesn’t need the disruption this will cause."
Mrs Smith set up the petition when news of the proposed amalgamation was released.
“I set it up and it was promoted on Facebook by Oscar Maynard, a sixth form at Walmer.”
On Wednesday, Mike Whiting met with protesters at the Mercury office and discussed their concerns.
See this week's East Kent Mercury for the full story.
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