CREDIT: This story was first seen in the Romford Recorder
Parents at Ilford Grammar and Preparatory School, in Redbridge, were sent letters on May 26, that the school was closing less than two months before the term finishes, the Romford Recorder reports.
Raphael Independent School, Clifton Road, Hornchurch, has offered every child a place to complete their education.
“We are here. We care about the children’s education,” said Chet Ahmet, a director of the school.
“Our achievements have been outstanding in Havering as far as we are concerned.”
In her letter to parents, Ilford Grammar headteacher, Barbara Wiggs said the school was merging with Raphael Independent School.
A mum. who did not want to be named, told the Recorder that she was upset parents had been given short notice.
She said: “It was very much a shock, we were just sent a letter informing us.”
She added that parents who didn’t want to send their children to Raphael were struggling to find private schools with available spots in Redbridge.
But Mr Ahmet said he appreciated the parents’ frustration and disagreed that the move was part of a merger.
“It hasn’t been very nice,” he said.
“The school is closing down and they have sold the premises.
“We are in children’s education. What’s been done is a bit upsetting. You have a child in year [10] and 11 trying to finish their GCSEs and the school is closing down.
“I cannot sit here and tell you it’s a merger.
“We were aware after the letters went out to parents four weeks ago after they broke up for the last [half term]
“We are accommodating all the children and have guaranteed them all places, whoever wants to come [is welcome].”
The school has arranged open days for the parents so they can make an informed decision.
“We are making everything available to them,” he continued.
The building occupied by the Redbridge school, in High Road, Seven Kings, is set to be taken over by Muslim charity Al-Ihsaan Academy, which says it has purchased the site for £2.1m.