Save St. Joseph's College Reading before it closes on July 10th!  Without urgent action, the school is scheduled to close.

For over a century, St. Joseph's College in Reading has provided an exceptional education with a strong sense of community. It has become a beacon of learning, nurturing the potential of 565 students and employing over 100 dedicated staff members whose contributions shape our future. Now, the future of this cherished institution is under serious threat. Without immediate action, hundreds of students and staff will lose their school community, putting staff out of work and leaving students to find other schools with no notice.  This is especially damaging to the students with special educational needs and those in the middle of GCSEs and A-levels.

The closure of St. Joseph's College would not only disrupt the education of current students but also erode the educational landscape of Reading. This institution has for generations equipped young minds with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Moreover, the dedicated staff, whose livelihoods depend on this institution, will be left jobless. The loss goes beyond mere statistics – it involves the dismantling of a tight-knit community that fosters lifelong friendships and serves as a haven for intellectual and personal growth.

This closing is not just local—it affects the entire Reading community. When good schools close, entire communities suffer as they miss out on cultural, social, and economic contributions these schools make. New development funds are available, and with concerted efforts, we can restructure and revitalise this cherished institution.

We call on the Board of Governors, the creditors and the other parties with the power to save St. Joseph's to work closely with the staff, students, parents and other members of the community to explore every option for keeping the school open.

The impact of closing St. Joseph's College is profound, and we must act swiftly to preserve its legacy.  We who sign this petition represent the students, parents, staff and members of the Reading community dedicated to safeguarding the future of our students, protect precious jobs, and retain a vital institution that serves as a cornerstone of our community's educational framework. Your support can make a significant difference.  Please sign and share!