PUPILS crowded the centre of Dewsbury to send a message to councillors: Leave our school alone.

Teachers and parents of Birkdale High packed the pavements outside the town hall yesterday in a bid to prompt a rethink on the closure of the school.

Councillors will meet later this month to decide the fate of the school.

The authority has lost millions it expected as part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, and opponents say if Birkdale closes pupils will have to travel miles for their education.

Deputy head Stuart Boothman explained: “The local authority had plans to close the school when there was BSF money to invest.

“That cash is no longer available so other schools can no longer be expanded to take our students.

“Still, however, they are going ahead.

“We are coming very close to decision time which as far as we know will be September 28.

“We are trying to build up pressure to help change the councillors’ minds.

“The pupils are worried, older ones are concerned that their GCSEs will be affected by staff looking for a change.

“Our staff however have been absolutely loyal, but once the decision was made that’s when the pressure builds and staff think they have to take a chance and stay or go.”

A petition of hundreds of names was delivered to Kirklees Council ahead of the decision deadline.

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Mr Boothman added: “The council will say there are enough places but our concern is there will be a long-term negative effect on standards.”

Headteacher Chris Caraher added: “The atmosphere today has been fantastic, we have the full support of staff, parents and students.

“We are making it clear that the wrong decision is being taken.

“I feel the councillors have already made their minds up, it’s as though they are bound by BSF and are not prepared to think again.”

Sammi Nazir, 43, of Dewsbury is a former pupil at Birkdale and said: “It is a brilliant school, my daughters have all done well there and now my son.

“As one of my daughters had special needs I was worried there might be some difficulties or prejudice but there has not been one day when she came home with a problem or upset.

“It’s not just the staff but the pupils that create a good school.

“My son Mohammed is in his second week and he is really enjoying himself, he said it was fantastic.”