‘Best years of my school life’: Outpouring of love for independent school in Northampton after closure announcement

An independent school that will close at the end of the academic year has received a huge outpouring of love as a result of the announcement.

St Peter’s Independent School, in Lingswood Park, Blackthorn announced earlier this month that it would not reopen its gates at the start of the 2020/2021 academic year.After serving the community for just over 40 years, the proprietor of the school had to make the difficult decision to close as the coronavirus pandemic has had an ‘adverse effect on the business model of the school’.

Since the news was shared on the school’s and the Chronicle & Echo’s social media, a lot of former students have come forward to share their happy memories of their time at the school.

Richard Coleman said: “Really sorry to hear this, Julie has done a fantastic job keeping the school running under very difficult circumstances, and whilst continuing to teach at the same time.

“As well as the pupils, my thoughts are also with the teachers as they look for new jobs. Good luck for your futures.”

Niki Lyman added: “As a former pupil, when Mr Smith was the headmaster, I can honestly say those were the best years of my school life. This is very sad news!”

Another former pupil added: “A very sad day for Northampton. The school has faced many challenges throughout its history and so it’s very sad to see that with the final Covid 19 crisis we are all going through at the moment; that this was to be the final nail in the coffin for such an amazing school.”

Maureen Spittles also said: “My son was in the first intake and couldn't have had a better education. Very grateful thanks to Gerald Smith. Sorry to see the school close.”

Another former student added: “Wow, how sad. Mr. Smith was a character. Some good memories of that place.”

The social media posts were also met with many comments of people saddened by the news and saying they loved their time at the school, as well as one comment saying it was ‘the end of an era’.

Those who visited the school regularly were also keen to share their thoughts.

Peter Mangan said: “That’s a real shame. Always found the staff lovely when repairing equipment on this site.”

Ivor Rigsby Richards added: “This is sad news I delivered all their poppy day stuff and used to enjoy speaking to the staff.”

Since receiving all the nostalgic comments, staff have been left 'overwhelmed'.

Headteacher, Julie Fenlon, said: "The school staff and Board of trustees and Governors are overwhelmed by the number of messages. All very heart warming.

"It's lovely to read the memories from past pupils over 40 years.

"We do hope to have some sort of celebration in due course once mass gatherings are permitted so do check the school's Facebook page."

Julie also thanked Michael Dawe, Douglas Forrester and David Reynolds for their financial support over the years as trustees of the school.

The school remains open until the end of this academic year.

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