Czech School Faces Eviction After Primary School Closure

Czech School & Community Manchester, a Saturday institution for around 70 children, is in urgent need of new premises. The school has been utilizing space at St Teresa's RC Primary School in Trafford for over two years. However, Trafford Council's decision to close St Teresa's due to unsustainable finances, stemming from declining pupil numbers, has jeopardized the Czech school's operations.

Pavla Mataskova, the head teacher, highlighted the challenge of securing a new location that can accommodate nine classes within their budget. Families currently travel significant distances, including from Sheffield, to ensure their children can maintain links with their Czech heritage, language, and culture. The school is one of 15 globally recognized Czech education providers by the Czech Ministry of Education.

While the local authority and the diocese, which owns the site, have indicated a willingness to help find alternative venues, the Czech school organization has not yet received direct communication regarding these options. The diocese mentioned that no decisions about the future use of the St Teresa's site have been finalized.