PARENTS battling to save their local school claim best-ever test results make a mockery of claims that youngsters are under-achieving.
Around 70 people packed a public meeting at Rossmere Primary School, in Hartlepool, to quiz education leaders over a planned major revamp of primary education in the town.
Closure is one option being considered by council chiefs for Rossmere bec
ause of its surplus places, disappointing exam results, and how much money is needed to improve school buildings.
But parents have used the latest Key Stage 2 SATS results to boost their case – saying the are the highest the school has ever achieved.
Results of English, maths and science exams taken by 11-year-olds were posted into the school this week.
Parent Leanne Brown, of the Rossmere Action Group, which formed to fight the possible closure, said: "The school achieved a 98 per cent pass rate in science, and English and maths were in the 80s.
"People at the meeting asked why they could be closing a school like that when kids have just got fantastic reports." Paul Briggs, assistant director of children's services at Hartlepool Borough Council, attended the meeting as part of a consultation process.
He said: "It was a lively debate and a lot of people spoke with feeling about the contribution that Rossmere makes to its local community.
"There was significant discussion about past standards at the school, and the recently published SATs were greatly improved and celebrated."
The council hopes to spend £50m of funding from the Primary Capital Programme to remove surplus places, improve standards and rebuild and refurbish buildings.
But Rossmere, along with Ward Jackson, Owton Manor, Elwick and Hart primary schools could also close as a result.
Mr Briggs stressed no decisions had been made, and encouraged everyone at the meeting to write to the council before the deadline of July 31.
Michael Johnson, Rossmere ward councillor and school governor, said: "I think a lot of positives came out of the meeting.
"It is important that people believe the consultation is fair and worthwhile taking part.
"Paul Briggs acknowledged the passion and the numbers present and said he will take that back with him."
The council's Schools Transfor-mation Project Board will meet to discuss all feedback in September.
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