A SCHOOL threatened with closure has been saved after the Government approved academy status in time for the start of term.
Dunswell Primary was facing closure by East Riding Council, which wanted to shut the school next summer.
But the 88-pupil primary has now broken away from local authority control.
It has been taken under the wing of Swanland Primary School Academy Trust, which secured the necessary paperwork earlier this week.
Government officials had previously agreed to the rescue plan but the schools were in a race against time to get the paperwork completed in time for the new academic year.
The village primary will now open for the new school year on Tuesday as Dunswell Academy.
Ray Woodward, headteacher of Swanland Primary School Academy Trust, said: "This marks the beginning of an exciting and innovative future for both our schools.
"I have been very impressed with the hard work and dedication of those most closely involved with the conversion process.
"Meeting the September 1 deadline means that all stakeholders, most especially the children, are assured the stability and continuity they deserve.
"All the uncertainty surrounding Dunswell's closure is now history."
Helen Gilmour, chairman of governors at Swanland's academy, said there would be a seamless transition for Dunswell's pupils under the partnership.
She said: "We are absolutely delighted that we have been able to help in this way.
"Parents and pupils at the school should not notice any difference as we look forward to a new school year without the threat of closure hanging over them."
Dunswell parent Julie Reed, who spearheaded the battle to save the school, said: "It's fantastic news, the children and parents can now look forward to the new school year.
"The school has been given a reprieve after the council wanted to shut it down. We now have a secure future."
Councillor Julie Abraham, East Riding Council's portfolio holder for education, wished the school well.
She said: "The council was looking to close of Dunswell Primary because of the forthcoming new school in Kingswood, which we feel would have undermined the viability of Dunswell.
"Obviously going into partnership with the Swanland Academy is something we couldn't put in place for Dunswell Primary, but it now changes the dynamic for them.
"If they have found a workable solution that will be sustainable, I wish them well."
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