A tree of hope is to be planted in Colchester by parents battling to save a school.

The threat of closure hangs over Alderman Blaxill School, in Shrub End, after it was put into special measures.

At a meeting of the school's parents' forum last night, ideas to raise the profile of the campaign to keep it open were discussed.

Already arranged is a tree of hope, allowing people to post messages of support for the school on "leaves", which will go on display in a town centre shop from August 6.

Mum Clare Dillon said: "We want people - be that current or former pupils and parents - to display their thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams for the school on the tree.

"We have to keep the school and its plight in the public eye."

A website is being set up and a fun day is planned for September 8, at the start of the new academic year, to celebrate the school's achievements.

Essex County Council is launching a consultation in September to discuss the future of secondary education in the south of Colchester.

Possible options include merging Alderman Blaxill with the Thomas, Lord Audley Language College, to create a new 1,200-place academy on the TLA site.

  • The next meeting of the parents' forum is on Tuesday at 7pm at the school.