Last updated at 12:36, Saturday, 12 May 2012

By Natalie ChapplesA PARENT led group battling to save a Barrow school says the pupil number and donation targets must be reached by Monday.

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Chetwynde Support Group (CSG) is making a last push this weekend to get 225 pupils confirmed for September, so it can move forward with its business plan, meet the bank, begin the transition process with the governors, and then declare that Chetwynde School will re-open next term.

Latest figures suggest the private school is just 18 pupils short of the target.

CSG has also led a campaign which has raised around £413,500 of the £500,000 needed to stay open and start its long-term business model.

The group says it has a viable business plan and the massive effort so far indicates the confidence that parents have, but the funding and pupil number targets need to be hit.

The board of governors have arranged for the group to meet with the bank next week to present the business plan.

But the CSG website says: “We must stress that we cannot meet the bank, change the governing body, or declare the school open unless we reach our target of 225 pupils and £500,000 by 4pm on Monday, May 14.

“We need you to succeed. If you haven’t already informed us of your choice, or donated to the trust account, then now is the time to do so.’’

Details of how to donate and an online commitment form for child places are on the website www.chetwyndesupportgroup.co.uk.

Funds have been boosted by the school community buying t shirts which feature a war time morale-boosting phrase. The “Keep Calm and Carry on Chetwynde” t shirts were worn at a non-uniform day yesterday. A hog roast also raised more than £3,300.

Chetwynde parents have received letters from Cumbria County Council offering places at other local schools for September. The council said 177 applications were made for pupils now at Chetwynde.

The deadline for accepting these new places is June 1.

The group has said there is enough time for people to hold off taking those places and for Chetwynde to be saved.

First published at 10:36, Saturday, 12 May 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk