Councillors to discuss consultation feedback regarding Middle Street Primary School

Councillors will discuss feedback to a public consultation regarding the proposed closure of Middle Street Primary School at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday 19 March. 

In June 2025, the council appointed an Interim Executive Board to address governance and financial challenges at Middle Street Primary School. 

After careful consideration, in January 2026 the board concluded that they believed that the school does not have a viable future due to the challenges it faces and therefore recommended that it should close at the end of the current academic year.

Following this recommendation, we held a consultation on the proposed closure of Middle Street Primary School which ran from Friday 26 January to Monday 9 March. 

During the consultation, we received 128 survey responses, 2 email submissions and held 3 public meetings on 10 February, 25 February and 4 March. A meeting with staff took place on 26 February. 

At the Cabinet meeting, councillors will discuss whether to publish a statutory notice regarding the school’s proposed closure which will be followed by a 4-week representation period during which interested parties will be able to provide further views on the proposal. This will help us understand potential impacts and inform our decision-making process.

Ongoing professionalism 

Councillor Jacob Taylor, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who shared their thoughts and feedback on these proposals through the online survey and at our public engagement events, and acknowledge that this is a difficult situation for all involved.

“We’ve heard from many parents and carers and understand your frustration and disappointment. As a Cabinet, we will examine the school’s journey and consider any learning for the city. However, we need to accept the position the school is in presently and act accordingly. 

“I’d like to thank the school’s Interim Executive Board, leadership team and wider staff for their ongoing professionalism. Their tireless commitment to delivering quality education to Middle Street Primary School’s pupils has not gone unnoticed.

“I also want to reassure parents that the proposals to close the school do not reflect current standards or practices at Middle Street Primary School, but are instead a result of previous governance challenges, an increasingly tough financial position and extremely low pupil numbers. 

“Our focus remains on ensuring the best possible outcomes for pupils and supporting families and staff throughout this difficult process.”

Consultation feedback 

The consultation received responses from parents, carers, former pupils and community members, as well as written submissions from local organisations. 

The majority of respondents opposed the proposed closure, citing the school's long history, its inclusive and non-faith ethos, and its importance as the only centrally located community primary school in Brighton. 

Many highlighted the particular value of the school for children with additional needs, and for city centre families without access to transport.

Concerns were raised about the circumstances that had led to the proposal, with a number of respondents questioning whether the school's difficulties were the result of inherent unviability or of a period of exceptional instability from which, some argued, the school was now beginning to recover. 

Several respondents called for more time to be allowed before a final decision was taken. Questions were also raised about the future of the building, with calls for it to be retained for educational or community use.

A minority of respondents expressed support for closure, acknowledging the school's financial position and the need to ensure sustainability across the city's schools as a whole.

Next steps 

If Cabinet agree to proceed with a statutory notice, this would be published from Wednesday 8 April to Tuesday 5 May.

This process offers parents and carers, staff and other members of Middle Street Primary School’s community an additional opportunity to comment on the proposal to close the school in August 2026. 

Following the 4-week representation period, councillors would then be asked to make a final decision on the proposal to close Middle Street Primary School at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 21 May. 

The school will remain open for the remainder of the current academic year and will continue to provide high quality education to all pupils. If the closure is agreed, a transition process will be set up to assist pupils and families in moving to new schools.

Middle Street Primary School currently has 71 pupils on roll. Our analysis shows that there is sufficient capacity across the city's schools to accommodate all of these pupils if the school closes.

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