Consultation on the proposal to close Middle Street Primary School

Summary of feedback and findings

We received 128 survey responses plus 2 email submissions during the consultation period. On the key question of whether there was agreement with the proposal to close Middle Street Primary School, 10% of respondents were in favour, 84% were opposed.

Most respondents strongly oppose the closure of Middle Street Primary School, emphasising its unique, inclusive, and nurturing environment, particularly for children with special educational needs and those who struggle in larger schools. Many highlight the school’s diversity, secular ethos, and creative spirit, noting its importance as the only non-faith, centrally located school in Brighton. The school’s history and heritage as the oldest primary in the city are repeatedly mentioned, with concerns that its closure would be a loss to Brighton’s identity and community.

Many respondents blame recent mismanagement, poor leadership, and lack of council support for the school’s decline, rather than any inherent lack of demand or viability. There is widespread frustration that the consultation and closure process has been rushed and poorly communicated, leading to instability and families leaving, which in turn worsened the situation. Several suggest that more time and investment could have allowed the school to recover.

Respondents repeatedly stress the school’s central location and accessibility, especially for families without cars and those renting, arguing that its closure will make city centre living less viable for families and increase travel distances for children. There are concerns about the impact on children’s wellbeing, mental health, and educational progress, as well as the loss of a supportive community and continuity for vulnerable families.

A minority of respondents support the closure, citing financial unviability, low pupil numbers, and the need to ensure sustainability of other schools in the city. Some acknowledge the sadness of the situation but feel closure is inevitable given current circumstances.

Overall, the dominant themes are the school’s irreplaceable role in the city centre, its inclusive and creative ethos, the negative impact of closure on families and children, and widespread dissatisfaction with the council’s handling of the situation. Many urge reconsideration, more time, and creative solutions to keep the school open.

Timeline and next steps

The council’s Cabinet will meet on Thursday 19 March 2026 to consider the responses received and decide whether to proceed to publish statutory notices. If statutory notices are published (on 8 April), there will be a further 4-week representation period during which further submissions can be made.

Any final decision on school closure must be taken by Full Council. This is currently scheduled for Thursday 21 May 2026 as an agenda item at the Full Council meeting.