THE HEADTEACHER of Severn View Primary Academy in Stroud has dismissed rumours the school is on the brink of closure and insists teachers and pupils are going from strength to strength.


Claire Wirth, who took over leadership of the school last September, said she was 'shocked and dismayed' to hear suggestions the newly formed academy was due to shut by the end of the year.
 

Known formally as Parliament Primary, the school adopted its new status after being placed in special measures by Ofsted inspectors last year.


Since then the children have redesigned their own logo and uniforms, parents have been encouraged to get involved and take advantage of school facilities and Mrs Wirth and her team have worked tirelessly to instil a new passion for learning and teaching among pupils and staff alike.
 

"We are still very much here and we are still going strong," said Mrs Wirth.


"It was really worrying to hear the rumour we were closing when that could not be further from the truth."


She added that the school hopes to use additional funding from the Department for Education to install new computers, while plans are also afoot to transform the current IT room into a soundproofed music studio.
 

The arrival of a new school minibus next month will bring new opportunities for learning outside the classroom, while each and every Friday, pupils are rewarded for their hard work with visits from a host of fascinating guests, including musicians, sports people and artists.
 

"Our new motto is 'growing brilliant learners for a bright future' and it is my vision is for this school to become the beacon on the hill overlooking Stroud," added Mrs Wirth.
 

"We have an absolutely wonderful team who are hugely passionate and determined to do the best they can for the children."