Weasenham whinger David Fairchild objects to primary school closure

David Fairchild, known to some as the 'Weasenham whinger', was among dozens of locals at a meeting over the proposed closure of Weasenham CofE Primary Academy meeting on September 13.

The Diocese of Norwich Education Academy Trust (DNEAT), has put forward the idea of merging the school with the nearby Brisley CofE Primary Academy, from January 1 next year.

David Fairchild, known to some as the 'Weasenham whinger', was in attendance at the Weasenham CofE Primary Academy meeting (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Mr Fairchild said: “It became very clear within a few minutes that the decision to close the school at the end of the year had already been taken,” he said.

“They made no bones about that. The ‘consultation’ that took place was a necessary formality that they had to go through.

"Apart from an ‘act of God’ or the intervention by the secretary of state, it will close.

"Despite being a Church of England school, God does not stand a chance.

“There were many disgruntled parents and residents at the meeting and another highly prized village asset appears to be going down the drain with so many others.”'

Weasenham CofE Primary Academy (Image: Google Maps)

In a document outlining its proposal, DNEAT spoke of its ‘small schools strategy’ which outlines when closures, mergers or amalgamations of schools should be considered.

The trust says Wesenham now meets parts of the criteria, as the school has seen three years of decreasing numbers.

Oliver Burwood, DNEAT's chief executive, said: "The consultation was well attended, and we appreciate all the feedback from the meeting.

Oliver Burwood, CEO of Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT) (Image: DNEAT)

"Due process is being undertaken and the consultation period has begun.  We urge consultees to send in their comments.  

"After this consultation ends on October 6, DNEAT will review the comments received and use the findings to inform their full business case to the secretary of state who will decide whether to proceed with the proposal.”

He's had his say - now have yours

DNEAT's document on the proposed closure says: "Children would be better served attending another larger local school, preferably within the Trust at Brisley CE Primary Academy, which has space to accommodate all of the displaced pupils between the ages of 4-11 and would retain its good Ofsted rating.”

Mr Fairchild was thrown into the public spotlight earlier this year, when his constant criticisms forced an entire parish council to resign over what he claimed was mismanagement. 

He even used to produce his own village newsletter called Parish Notes in an effort to report on the council, which eventually declared him a "vexatious customer".

Mr Fairchild urged others to have their say on the proposed closure of the school. This can be done by emailing info@dneat.org (quoting Weasenham as the subject) or by writing to Weasenham Church of England Primary Academy Consultation, DNEAT, Orchard House, Hall Lane, East Tuddenham near Mattishall, Norfolk, NR20 3LR.

Responses have to be submitted by 5pm on October 6.