JULIE Williams works in Pastoral Support and has been at the school for 13 years. She said: “It is a great school and it is a pity that it is closing. My job has evolved over the years and I work with outside agencies to support families.”

YEAR Six teacher Tracey Westall, a teacher at Swanage Middle for 17 years, said: “It is going to be a very sad moment when the school closes because we all have a lot of happy memories. We are trying to make it a good last year for the children.”

PARENT Julie Dragon has a son in Year Seven. She said: “Nathan has been very happy here and had no problems. Due to the changes he will be going to secondary school a year early.”

NICKY Taylor, who has twins in Year Seven, said: “My twins love it here and I also went to this school as a pupil. The children have grown emotionally and academically since they came here and everyone is making an effort to carry on as normal even though it is closing.”

JOSHUA Stuckes, 11, is in Year Six. He said: “It is amazing here and there is always an answer for every obstacle you have to overcome. The teachers want to give us the best possible education. I am hoping to go to ballet school and have just had auditions for the Birmingham Royal Ballet and London Royal Ballet.”

YEAR Eight pupil Roni Taylor, 12, said: “I used to live in Leicester and I didn’t get on too well at school there but when I came here it was brilliant and I felt part of the school. My academic level has gone up and the teachers are very friendly and work hard.”