PARENTS from the Barton estate in Oxford had one message for education chiefs at County Hall in November 1983 – leave their schools alone.

Parents were fighting the possible merger of two schools in the area.

The county council’s key schools sub-committee however agreed there had not been sufficient public consultation over the plan.

Education chiefs justified the proposed closures on educational grounds and estimated total savings of £33,000 a year.

Chief education officer Tim Brighouse said the amalgamation was in the interests of the children as a bigger school would attract more experienced staff and allow more staff training.

Both St Peter’s CoE Primary School at Stoke Lyne and Stanton St John Primary School were recommended for closure in December 1984.