The National Education Union (NEU) has criticised the sudden closure of Durham High School, citing an 'absence of meaningful consultation' with staff and raising fears over redundancy payments. The school, operated by Chinese-run firm Galaxy Global Education (GGE), closed for good last week, leaving 281 pupils and their families scrambling for new schools.
Union raises concerns over redundancy process
The NEU reported that staff have been told they are 'unlikely' to receive their full contractual notice payments through payroll due to the school's financial position. Instead, they may be forced to claim through the Government's redundancy payments scheme. Beth Farhat, NEU regional secretary, said: 'Our immediate priority is supporting members through this incredibly distressing situation. Durham High School’s owners recently assured staff and parents that the school would remain open, despite rumours that it faced significant financial pressures.'
Farhat added: 'Staff have dedicated years of service to Durham High School and many have learned with virtually no notice that they are losing their jobs. We are deeply concerned by the absence of meaningful consultation and are seeking urgent assurances regarding redundancy payments, notice pay, pensions and employment support.' The union is pursuing advice on whether staff could seek a 'protective award' due to the alleged failure to consult.
School closure leaves pupils and staff in limbo
GGE announced the closure on Wednesday, July 1, with the school shutting its doors just days later at the end of term. Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy called the move 'abhorrent'. The NASUWT teaching union held a protest at the school on Friday. Administrators were set to be appointed on July 6. A GGE spokesperson said: 'The suggestion that this decision was taken lightly, or without every effort being made to avoid it, is simply wrong. Over many months, we explored every realistic option to secure the school's future, including discussions with another education provider that continued until the weekend before the announcement.'
GGE cited cumulative financial pressures, noting the school was 'no longer financially sustainable'. The company rejected allegations it had acquired schools for property development, calling the suggestion 'entirely without foundation'. Decisions regarding the school site will rest with the joint administrators.
Support for affected pupils and staff
GGE said: 'Our priority remains supporting pupils, families and staff through this difficult period. We are working closely with local schools to help pupils continue their education with the minimum possible disruption and are ensuring that examination-year students continue to receive support as they move on to the next stage of their education.' The union is calling for transparency through the administration process and for every effort to be made to support staff.
