Parents campaign to stop closure of primary school

A group of parents of pupils at a school that has been recommended to close are campaigning for it to remain open.

Brighton & Hove City Council said Middle Street Primary School appointed an interim executive board in June 2025 to address governance and financial challenges and concluded that the school did not have a "viable future".

Parents have called for the "small and mighty" school in the city centre not to close after 221 years of operating.

The council said it had explored "every possible option" for the school's future.

The school has been approached for comment.

One parent of a pupil, who wished to remain anonymous, said it was "more than just a school" and reflected the diversity of the city.

They said a "defining feature" was that there was no uniform and the use of first names between staff and pupils.

"Children are encouraged to express who they are and to feel comfortable and accepted," they said.

But they highlighted "bad management" in the last three years, adding the proposed closure seemed "financially motivated".

A petition to stop the closure has more than 430 signatures.

The council, which is running a consultation until 9 March, said the school had fewer than 135 pupils who could be accommodated elsewhere.

Deputy council leader Jacob Taylor previously said: "We know that this has been a difficult decision for Middle Street Primary School's interim executive board to make, and one that they do not take lightly.

"We understand this will be upsetting news for parents, children, teachers and school staff.

"Our priority throughout this process will be ensuring the best outcomes for pupils and supporting families and staff during what we know will be a very challenging time."

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