THE Kentish Express has launched a campaign to Save Hothfield School from closure.

Kent County Council announced on August 2 that it would press ahead with plans to shut the school despite massive opposition.

But backed by villagers, we believe the school doors should remain open because:

* The school is not failing. Achievement is rising and 'value added' results (based on how much pupils have improved) are above the national average;

* Results in maths and English improved markedly this year;

* As in any village the school is a vital part of its community, which is one of Ashford’s most deprived;

* Villagers fear closure will kill off the village;

* Ashford is to get 30,000 new homes and Kent County Council’s claims that schools need to be shut because of falling birth rates are widely disputed;

* If the school is to be closed on the basis of its small size, about half a dozen others in the borough should consider themselves under threat;

* It is widely acknowledged that many children benefit from smaller class sizes.

From September 1 those opposed to the closure have six weeks to object and try to stop it.

Petitions against the plans are available for anyone to sign at our offices in North Street, Ashford, and Hothfield Post Office in The Street, Hothfield. You can also download a copy of the form below.

We have also created a letter of objection detailing our argument against the closure, which people can sign and send to KCC.

Click here to download the petition form >>>