https://yourvoice.brighton-hove.gov.uk/projects/middle-street-primary-school-closure

I strongly object to the proposed closure of Middle Street Primary School and urge councillors to reject this decision.

This closure is not an unavoidable outcome, it is the result of failure. Middle Street was not historically an undersubscribed school. It had a waiting list and a strong, positive reputation. It is a unique, central Brighton school offering exceptional opportunities such as beach school and strong SEN provision. It is a vital part of the community.

What has happened here is a clear case of mismanagement and ignored warnings. Serious concerns about leadership, governance, and the direction of the school were raised by parents and the wider community, yet these concerns were not acted on in time. Audit findings have since confirmed multiple failures in oversight and financial management.

The narrative that falling pupil numbers caused this situation is misleading. The opposite is true. Falling numbers are the consequence of lost confidence, a direct result of inaction and poor leadership. This has created a self-fulfilling downward spiral which is now being used to justify closure.

It is unacceptable that children and families are now being asked to pay the price for systemic failures that were allowed to continue unchecked.

This is a political choice. Labour councillors, with a clear majority, have the power to stop this closure. Choosing to proceed regardless would represent a failure of accountability and leadership. It would signal that mistakes can be buried through closure rather than properly addressed.

A “lessons learned” exercise after the fact is not enough. Accountability must come before irreversible decisions are made. The community deserves transparency, honesty, and the chance to recover - not a rushed closure process driven by problems that should have been tackled years ago.

We are asking for time: time to stabilise, rebuild trust, and implement a credible recovery plan. With proper oversight and support, there is a real opportunity to restore confidence and pupil numbers.

Closing Middle Street would not just be the loss of a school. It would be the loss of a thriving, distinctive community asset in the heart of the city: “one that has been failed, not one that has failed”.

Councillors must decide whether they are willing to take responsibility for this situation, or whether they will allow its consequences to fall on children and families.

I urge you to reject this closure and commit instead to saving the school.