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The head teacher at a historic grammar school has refuted claims it is in discussions with developers over the future of its boarding houses.
But Lee Hunter of Sir Roger Manwood's (SRMS) in Sandwich admits they are likely to be ‘repurposed’ if closure goes ahead.
Last month, the school's governors announced proposals to close the boarding facility claiming it is financially unviable.
But passionate past pupils have since united under Friends of SRMS Boarding to try and save the two homes which accommodate up to 55 pupils.
The group of 14 alumni believe closure would destroy the ethos and traditions of the school, prompting them to launch a petition which attracted more than 500 signatures in one day.
They’ve since raised questions about boarding reserve funds which previously stood at around £400,000, and are now believed to have shrunk to just £150,000. These figures have been seen in documents by KentOnline but were not confirmed by the school when we put them to the headmaster.
The pressure group contend that the reserves in place are enough to keep boarding open for at least for another year to allow other options to be explored - including fundraising and potential grants.
They are also concerned after credible sources within the school, whose identities we are protecting, have confirmed that estate agents first visited the homes almost 12 months ago. And in February half term this year, a company is understood to have visited to value the furniture.
A spokesman for Friends of SRMS Boarding said: “We’re aware of all of this, yet the consultation period to close the section officially began on June 1 and the main issue being cited is Covid-19.”
They continued: “When you dig into their proposals and reasons for closing boarding, they are sloppy at best, at worst downright incorrect and misleading.
“Without boarders, a large part of the cultural diversity that exists within the school will be gone. The strong feeling is that the boarders are very much at the heart of the school and what makes Manwood’s such a magical place. It is more than just a school; it is a community they were privileged to attend.”
'The strong feeling is that the boarders are very much at the heart of the school and what makes Manwood’s such a magical place.'
Roger Pittock is among the 500 people to have signed the petition.
He said: “Selling the family silver can only be done once. As an ex pupil who has kept in touch over the generations, I can confirm that SRMS is a great school which should be preserved and expanded, not cut and shut to make a quick buck.”
James Pashley said: “As an education manager I know this decision will not be considered lightly. If a way can be found to overcome this without losing the boarding then thousands of people’s lives will be enriched. It isn’t just the boarders who benefit, but the whole school, who experience an inclusivity which stays with us for life.”
Head teacher Mr Hunter says the reasons behind the proposed closure include the global Coronavirus pandemic and difficulties around social distancing measures.
In a letter to parents, he also outlined changes to the new Immigration Act because of Brexit and highlighted the fact major work is needed on both boarding houses, despite refurbishment in 2019.
Arrangements have already been put in place for current Year 10 and Year 12 boarders, part way through their GCSEs and A-Levels, to stay at the Duke of York’s School in Dover. But others must find alternative arrangements for September.
Mr Hunter said: “As expected, many comments received during the consultation have expressed sadness and regret at the proposal to close the boarding facility, recognising the impact this change has on boarding pupils and their families, staff within the boarding facility, and indeed the whole school and extended school community of Sandwich.
“All points raised during the consultation are being responded to directly with the applicant and the questions that you have sent to us have not been received by the school at the time of writing.
“The proposal to close boarding is driven by the reasons stated in the consultation document, which forecast that boarding is no longer financially viable and therefore cannot be considered a going concern. In such circumstances, the school is charged by the Education and Skills Funding Agency to resolve the issue as a matter of urgency.
“The school’s current plans for the buildings will ensure they are kept maintained and secure. Subject to the outcome of consultation and securing the necessary DfE approval, the buildings will likely be repurposed, but no discussion has taken place about what that might be.
“No discussions whatsoever have been held with developers regarding the future of the boarding houses.
“The school welcomes further discussion of the proposed change during the consultation period, due to end July 12. The consultation document can be found at http://www.manwoods.co.uk/boarding-consultation-2020. Comments should be submitted to head@srms.kent.sch.uk.”
