Castelldefels school announces closure due to low enrolment numbers

Sant Ferran College (Col·legi Sant Ferran) in Castelldefels, just south of Barcelona, is to close permanently at the end of this academic year.

The school's owners informed the families of the 314 enrolled students of their intentions at a meeting on Friday, arguing that there has been a decrease in new enrolments in the youngest age groups. 

Some families opposed to the closure have highlighted that several year groups in the school – which caters to pupils aged 3 to 16 – are full.

Sant Ferran College is a semi-private 'concertada' school, funded by both fees and public funds. 

Sources from the Department of Education told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) that they plan to meet with the school's owners on Tuesday, as well as with Castelldefels City Council, to address the future of the students and teaching staff "and above all to guarantee the schooling of all children."

Sant Ferran College was founded in 1970 and educates students from I3 to the 4th year of ESO.

Around thirty employees work there, between teaching staff and other contracted staff, according to union sources.

Council opposed to closure

Following the families' public announcement of the owners' intention to close the school in the summer, the city council said it was "totally against the closure of any school in Castelldefels." It will discuss the future of Sant Ferran College with the Department of Education "urgently and as a matter of priority."

The local council expressed its support for staff and families, and assured it will work jointly with the department to guarantee the educational rights of all children.