PARENTS have launched a bid to save a private school that could close at the end of the year.
A group of parents and pupils at Malvern St James are said to be “making a stand” and have put forward an offer to buy the school from China-based Galaxy Global Education Group.
It comes one month after it was announced that the closure of the school had been proposed due to a £6million shortfall.
“Parents and children are making a stand at Malvern St James and an offer has been put forward to buy it from Galaxy Global the current Chinese owners, having found an incredibly supportive investor leading a consortium,” said Hannah Wall, who is part of the group campaigning to save the school.
“As much support as possible is required to make this happen and all help is appreciated.
“If they can’t make it work, hand it over to someone that can and save wrecking children’s lives, save jobs, and the effect on the community and suppliers.”
READ MORE: Schools respond to possible Malvern St James closure
The school said in April that it had faced “significant financial challenges”, citing the introduction of VAT on school fees, the removal of business rates relief and rising employment costs.
In an update, the school said no final decision had been reached and that its consultation regarding the closure remained ongoing.
It added that its priority was to support pupils, families and staff.
A spokesperson for the school said: “Malvern St James remains fully focused on supporting its pupils, staff and families during the ongoing consultation process.
“A number of conversations regarding the future of the school are taking place and all feedback and expressions of interest are being considered.
“As the consultation remains ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”
