Don't accidentally close our school! - Ampleforth College students present letter to Prime Minister - UPDATE

Students at No !0 Downing Street

Yesterday, Wednesday 24th February 2021, two Ampleforth College pupils presented a letter, signed by nearly 400 Ampleforth College pupils, to the Prime Minister, asking him to lift the restriction order on admitting new pupils, placed by the Education Secretary in November 2020.

The letter notes that:

"Whilst all school pupils are facing uncertainty regarding exams and the effects Covid will have on their education, we at Ampleforth are also left feeling very uncertain about the future of our school. It is a school in which we are not only educated by dedicated teaching staff but also feel cared for, respected and valued. We want it to be known that we feel safe and confident in our school."

This statement is backed up by evidence from an Ofsted research amongst parents in February 2021. Hundreds of parents participated, with 99% agreeing or strongly agreeing that their child is happy at the school and 99% agreeing or strongly agreeing that their child feels safe at the school too.

Among the children, the lack of certainty is causing distress. A Year 10 pupil said to his father: "A restriction order isn't helping the school and it means my friends can't have their younger brothers and sisters join us here."

Ida Bridgeman, Head Girl of Ampleforth College, who wrote and organised the letter commented: "The last year has been a difficult one for pupils because of Covid and this additional uncertainty means further worry and apprehension. I think the Prime Minister and his team should listen to the children who are at the school now. We feel safe here. "

One Y9 student said: ''I love Ampleforth and don't want to go to another school. Everyone else is worrying about lockdown and missing school but we have to worry about Gavin Williamson actually closing our school. I don't know why they are doing this. He should come and see what it is like here before he makes a decision like this."

UPDATE ON THIS STORY 5.40pm - Thu 25th February 2021

The girls' MP Kevin Hollinrake has received a copy of the letter and asked an urgent question in the House of Commons asking for a debate in government time. He said:

"Ampleforth (College) in my constituency it is fair to say has had past problems but these are now behind it. But there are some, I believe, in the educational system that are using relatively minor issues more recently as a pretext for the potential closure of the school. Could we have a debate in government time so this house can send a very strong message that this house does believe that faith schools are an important part of our education system going forward."

The Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg, said: "I understand that {Ampleforth} has a new headmaster that has reformed matters and that a decision is awaited from the Secretary of State on its future for admissions. I will pass on what my Honourable friend has said to the Secretary of State. But I would absolutely underline what he says that faith schools are a right to which parents ought to be entitled; and, speaking as a Catholic, I think that Catholic education is of very considerable importance and worth supporting and Benedictine education is a very noble part of that."

LINK

Ofsted Parent View results (Available to view February 2021):
https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/parent-view-results/survey/result/132921/