Saltney: Petition launched to save St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School from closure

 

A campaign has been launched to save St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School in Saltney, after plans to close the school by 2026 were revealed as part of a proposal to create a new all-through Catholic school in Flint.

The proposal to close St Anthony’s is part of Flintshire County Council’s school modernisation programme.

The plan would see four Catholic schools—St Anthony’s, St David’s in Mold, St Mary’s in Flint, and St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School—consolidated into a single 3-18 all-through Catholic school on the existing sites of St Richard Gwyn and St Mary’s in Flint.

The petition, started by parent Clare Smith, urges Flintshire County Council and the Diocese of Wrexham to keep St Anthony’s open until at least 2029.

Campaigners argue that the school has served the local community for more than 150 years and remains an essential part of the area’s social and educational fabric.

The Case for St Anthony’s

Supporters of the petition have highlighted several reasons for keeping St Anthony’s open, including its role as a vital community hub, its provision of high-quality faith-based education, and the impact the closure would have on families and children.

“This school is not just a place of learning—it’s the heart of our community,” said Clare Smith.

“For generations, it has provided a safe and nurturing environment for our children. Closing St Anthony’s would create a void that cannot easily be filled.”

Concerns from Parents

Parents fear the closure will have a significant impact on local families.

Many are concerned about the disruption it could cause for children, especially those with additional needs.

“Some of the children at St Anthony’s have neurodiverse conditions or disabilities, and change can be a major challenge for them,” Smith explained. “Moving these children to schools over 10 miles away is not a suitable option. They deserve stability until the new school is built.”

Campaigners also point to the difficulty families will face in finding alternative schools with available spaces.

They argue that the closure will affect low-income families the hardest, especially those without access to reliable transport.

Flintshire’s Modernisation Programme

The council’s proposal aims to address long-standing issues with surplus places in local schools.

Claire Homard, Flintshire’s chief officer for education, said the current situation is unsustainable.

“We currently have a significant issue with surplus places, which is unsustainable in the long term. This proposal is an opportunity to revitalise education and give learners the best possible opportunities,” said Ms Homard.

The plan has the backing of the Diocese of Wrexham.

Bishop Peter Brignall expressed his support, calling the scheme an important step toward securing the future of Catholic education in Flintshire.

“This projected scheme has my support and that of the Diocese,” said Bishop Brignall. “I am pleased to be working in partnership with Flintshire County Council and the Welsh Government to secure the opportunity for Catholic schools in Flintshire to provide faith-based education of the highest quality.”

What Happens Next?

Flintshire Council’s Cabinet will consider the proposal later this month.

If approved, a formal consultation will be launched, giving parents, staff, and the wider community an opportunity to share their views.

Campaigners are hopeful that the consultation process will help highlight the importance of St Anthony’s and encourage decision-makers to reconsider its closure.

In the meantime, the petition continues to gain signatures and support from the local community.

“St Anthony’s is more than just a school—it’s part of our history and our future,” said Clare Smith.

“We’re asking for the support of everyone in the community to help us save it for the next generation.”