PUPILS and parents from Cwmcarn High secondary school have spoken out after governors announced plans to close the school last week.

A statement was published on the school’s website, described the decision as a “sad and difficult” one that was made in response to falling numbers of learners in South Islwyn, rendering the school “unsustainable”.

Chairman of governors, Gary Thomas, stated that closure planning will begin in September 2016, with parents being informed of arrangements as the school closes over the next two years.

Pupils have voiced their concerns at the closure plans, with one Year 8 student, Callum Cooke, setting up a Change.org petition to keep the school open.

The petition has gained more than 600 signatures in less than a week and the 13-year-old Wattsville teen hopes to present it to Caerphilly County Borough Council when it reaches 1,000 signatures.

“I am worried about my own and my friends education as changing schools, teachers and friendship groups can affect the way we learn,” he said.

“I didn't understand the choice to close the school after they managed to stay open after the asbestos situation, why close now?”

Former pupil Rebecca Davies,39, of Crosskeys, attended Cwmcarn High in 1988 and has just seen her 16-year-old daughter Cerys pass her GCSEs at the school.

“They tried to close down the school when I was there and my mother protested and campaigned with other parents to try and keep it open,” she said.

“I was planning to send my six-year-old daughter there in the future so I’m relieved but I also feel so sorry for other children who are there now.”

Cwmcarn High was previously a grant maintained school, opting out of local government control and being funded directly by grants from Central Government.

After being reclassified as a foundation school in September 1999, an asbestos discovery in 2012 forced the school to close for 14 months.

Caerphilly County Borough Council helped remove large swathes of the dangerous substance, while pupils were relocated to a former college campus 12 miles away in Ebbw Vale.

Throughout the closure period, Cwmcarn High will continue to work with neighbouring South Islwyn Schools, Coleg Gwent and Caerphilly County Borough Council on the plans.

Newbridge School’s Headteacher Mrs Perry — who was appointed executive head of Cwmcarn High this year — will lead the school through the closure period.

To sign the petition to Keep Cwmcarn High School Open, visit www.change.org/p/caerphilly-county-borough-counsel-keep-cwmcarn-high-school-open