DfE rejects plans to merge two Bristol primary schools

The government has rejected plans to amalgamate two primary schools in Bristol.

The Cathedral Schools Trust had hoped to merge Hotwells Primary and Cathedral Primary School, a move it said would “maximise resources” and ensure children would receive the “best education possible”.

Parents from a campaign group called Save Hotwells Primary said they were “delighted” with the ruling.

The trust’s chiefs said the application to make the change was made following a period of extensive consultation and leaders would now work with the Department for Education (DfE) and other partners to decide what happens next.