Shock as prep school shuts after 91 years

Shocked staff and parents of Sunnyside School received letters from owners Jeff and Jim Jenner, a former Worcester Rugby Club player, on Monday night saying the preparatory part of the establishment would shut.

The decision, which came without warning, will leave 34 children without a school and eight staff jobless.

Just four weeks ago staff were in Worcester's CrownGate Shopping Centre promoting the school.

Headteacher Mrs Pat Lewis said: "We were given letters to say the school would close just minutes before the parents."

The school in Barbourne Terrace, which attracts pupils from across the county, is split into two parts, with a nursery for two to five-year-olds and a preparatory section for five to nine-year-olds. The nursery will continue to operate.

Parent Andy Graham, whose son James has attended Sunnyside for two years, said parents and staff were shocked and angry at the news and how it was handled.

"The fact that we have not been consulted about any difficulties and the possible outcomes is scandalous. It appears a decision has been made and that is it.

"We have only been left with four or five weeks to sort this out because you can't do much over the Christmas period."

Mr Graham, of Broomhall, Worcester, said some children had only started in September and were faced with moving to a new school in January.

"It is going to be emotionally difficult for the children when they move. My son is very upset about it. He loves it at Sunnyside. He has come on by leaps and bounds since he has been there."

He added that six-year-old James had declared he was going to write a letter to Jim Jenner protesting at the planned school closure.

Mr Graham heaped praise on the staff. "The staff are superb. My son loves the staff. They are so welcoming. The school is the staff and it would not be the same if it were not for them."

He said following emotional scenes at the school on Monday night, as parents collected their children and the news filtered through, an emergency meeting was held with parents and staff.

Mr Graham is now one of a group of parents spearheading a bid to come up with a rescue package. "I certainly feel all the avenues haven't been explored. I am sure some type of partnership deal could have been set up."

Mr Graham, who helped rescue Tolladine Golf Club from collapse earlier this year, said the parents had a wealth of resources that could have been used if they had known the school faced difficulties.

He has approached King's St Alban's, King's Hawford and St Mary's Convent School to find places for pupils and staff.

"The Convent has bent over backwards and is exploring taking all 34 children. I am trying to relocate the teachers as well," said Mr Graham.

A further meeting between staff and parents has been planned for tonight.

WHAT THE PARENTS SAY

Bob Graham, from Hereford, who collects his grandson from school twice a week said: "I am still shell-shocked. It's only about two months ago that they had a new school uniform. It is very difficult for us."

Brian Peavot, from Kempsey, near Worcester, who sends his two children to Sunnyside, said: "I am disgusted. I am considering taking legal action because I do not believe I was sold the product in good faith. I feel duped."

Sarah Marshall, from London Road, Worcester, whose son attends the school, said: "I am really upset. The whole thing has been a bombshell. I am furious with Mr Jenner. I have just spent £500 on a new uniform."

Rhoda Thomkins, travels from near Ross-on-Wye each day to take her son to Sunnyside. "I travel such a long way because the school is so good. It is going to be very hard to fit these children into another school."

NINE DECADES OF SUNNYSIDE SCHOOL

l Sunnyside School was founded in 1914 by Muriel Tysoe, who had come to Worcester in 1912 from Gloucestershire as governess to the children of the Rev WLJ Ford.

l It is said the vicar recognised Miss Tysoe's genius with young children and by 1914 he had collected six local children, who she taught at St Stephen's Lodge in Droitwich Road.

l As the numbers shot up the school was relocated to a house in Sunnyside Road, Barbourne, from which it took its name.

l In 1934, with 100 pupils and a full staff, Miss Tysoe moved the school to its present site. She continued to run the school until 1967 when she retired.

l Within five years the pupil numbers had plummeted to 50 and by December 1972 parents feared it would close.

l In May 1973 Josephine Douglas-Pennent and her husband Simon took over the school and added a nursery class so children could start at the age of three.

l In 1995 Leann Gorman took the reins with Mitzi Edwards at headteacher.

l The Jenner brothers took over last summer and Pat Lewis became headteacher.

l In July 2004 over 150 former pupils turned up for a huge school reunion at Worcestershire County Cricket Ground in New Road - the school's original sports day venue. The event included school prayers, school dinners, a school photograph and sports day.

l Among the list of former pupils are tennis player Jackie Pallister, MP and former cabinet minister Stephen Dorrell and former Olympic showjumper Alison Dawes (then Westwood).