AFTER 174 years, a historic Notts school is considering moving home.
Governors at St John's C of E Primary School, in Stapleford, are looking at moving to the former Frederick Harrison Infant School site elsewhere in the town.
School leaders say pupils would benefit from having more spacious and modern surroundings.
However, the idea has been opposed by some parents.
Mum-of-three Becky Beard-Anderson, 36, of Hickings Lane, Stapleford, said: "A move would take away what's special about the school – its history and the fact that it is a small community school.
"If it moves to the Frederick Harrison site, it would just become like every other school in the area. The history is what makes St John's special."
Mrs Beard-Anderson has a 10-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son at the school. She attended St John's as a child, as did her brother, father, aunts and uncles.
She said: "St John's means a lot to my family and the community. I don't think a move would be the best thing for the school."
Parents received a letter from head teacher Jonathan Lee and the school's chairman of governors, Richard Bassford, last Wednesday outlining the proposal.
It states: "In recent months we have been considering the possibility of a move from the current building to those that have been recently vacated by the Frederick Harrison Infant School on Wadsworth Road.
"It is very important that the correct decision is made for the school at this time. The Governing Body are consulting with as many different people associated with the school in order to make an informed decision. Parents form an influential group and their opinions are extremely important in this matter."
Parent Gina Parker met with Mr Lee on Friday to talk about the proposed move. She has started a petition opposing the plan, which has so far gathered 200 signatures.
She said: "We chose for our children to go to the school because of the building. If we had wanted a bigger school then we would have gone somewhere else."
However, parent Michelle Shaw said: "I myself can see how wonderful this move could be for the children and how much it could improve their education and school experience. I believe this would be a positive move allowing the children within the school a better education."
St John's opened in 1837 – the same year Queen Victoria began her reign.
Lady Caroline Warren, of Stapleford Hall, paid for and endowed the school, at a cost of �3,000, in co-operation with the National Society in 1837.
Although the school was associated with St Helen's Church, Lady Caroline wanted it named in memory of her late husband, Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren, and it was originally called St John's National School.
In the early days there were 342 pupils registered. The current maximum is 115. The building is Grade II listed, which makes it harder to carry out any redevelopment work.
In a letter to parents, Mr Lee said: "This is not a move towards admitting extra pupils. We are proud to be a small school with a strong Christian ethos and are keen to maintain the 'small-school' feel.
"However, the leadership team are of the opinion that teaching and learning would be enhanced in more spacious, modern surroundings with better facilities."
Frederick Harrison Infant School closed in July 2008 following a merger with the old Stevenson Junior School. The two schools were replaced by Wadsworth Field Primary School, which opened in September 2008.
A public meeting will be held at St John's on Wednesday, April 13, at 7pm to give parents a chance to discuss the proposal with the governors. Opinions can be sent in writing to St John's C of E Primary School, 80 Nottingham Road, Stapleford, Nottingham NG9 8AQ.
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