Parents, pupils and staff have been left reeling after council bosses launched a consultation into the closure of The Coseley School.

The high school, based in Henne Drive, has just over 500 pupils and could be closed following discussions with parents, pupils, staff and union bosses.

Shocked students were warned yesterday afternoon for the first time about the consultation during a school assembly. Parents were later sent text messages advising them to read a statement on the school’s website. 

Headteacher, Kirsty Westhead-Jones, told the Express & Star: “A number of options are being looked into for the school. However, parents, pupils, staff and the wider community will have the opportunity to give their views before any final decision is made.

“The education and support of our pupils remains our top priority and we will continue to work with parents and families over the coming months.”

The school was told it ‘requires improvement’ following an Ofsted inspection in March 2014, however during a follow-up visit in June of the same year 'notable improvements' had been made. 

A petition has been set up online which has over 1,100 supporters - double the number of pupils in attendance at the school. The opening statement, written by concerned parent Michaela Garbett, reads: "Our children need a school and closing it will make a massive impact on both our children's lives and us as parents.

"[We] will have to make a huge decision as to what school is best for them. There will also be an environmental impact as more children will have to be driven to a school further away." 

Councillor Ian Cooper, cabinet member for children’s services, said the council was in early talks about the future of the school.

He said: “We are unable to go into the detail of the proposals until we have fully discussed them with parents, staff and unions. This process is likely to start this month.”