Parents and Pupils Protest Against Brookvale Primary School Closure Plans
Families in Runcorn are rallying to save Brookvale Primary School amid proposed closures.
By Cheshire Live
Parents and pupils gathered to protest against potential closure plans for Brookvale Primary School in Runcorn on 18 September 2026. The demonstration was part of a council consultation regarding possible mergers, federations, or closures of several schools in the area, driven by a reported surplus of primary school places due to declining birth rates.
The protest included local MP Sarah Pochin and was organised by Clare Watts, a parent at Brookvale. Watts expressed her concerns about the impact of the closure on the community, stating, "This school has been here for 53 years; it’s not just going to affect the school itself, it’s going to affect families, it’s going to affect the community." She highlighted the emotional toll on her children, who are currently enrolled at the school.
Head teacher Rob Moore acknowledged the community support, noting the presence of local businesses and residents at the protest. He remarked, "They’ve shown their commitment and support to the area, to our school as well. It’s not just about the school; it’s about this whole community."
Halton Borough Council has indicated that Runcorn currently has 1,279 more primary school places than children, a gap that is expected to widen in the coming years. A council spokeswoman clarified that no decisions regarding the proposed changes have been made yet. She also addressed the early closure of the council offices on the day of the protest, apologising for any inconvenience caused to attendees.
Residents can participate in the ongoing consultation through an online survey available until 30 September 2026. The survey aims to gather community feedback before a final set of recommendations is presented to the Full Council for a vote.