STAFF and pupils at St Rose’s School in Stroud are celebrating today following the news that their school will be saved.

It has been almost a year since the announcement that the special needs school in Beeches Green could be facing closure due to falling pupil numbers.

Due to Government changes to funding special needs education in April last year St Rose's School was at risk of losing its funding from Gloucestershire County Council as pupil numbers at the school were low – 35 plus those who attended the nursery.

However in the past year the trustees, governors and staff have worked tirelessly to create a recovery plan to ensure the long term and sustainable provision for the future of the school.

The Trustees have now made a final decision regarding the future of the school and after a meeting with the headteacher and chairman of the Governors last night they announced the school would not be closed.

"The Trustees were impressed by the governors' efforts to produce a recovery plan with the support of parents, staff and the local community, and have therefore decided not to close St Rose’s in 2015," they said.

Headteacher Jan Daines said: “I have just spoken to a group of pupils, parents and staff who are delighted with this fantastic news.

“We have all worked together with governors and trustees to find a way forward, so we can continue to provide a caring and safe environment in which remarkable children and young adults with significant disabilities and needs are able to achieve their potential.

“I want to thank our wonderful staff, students, parents and friends of St Roses for their resilience and faith during what has been a very difficult time.’