A proposal by Wimborne Academy Trust to reduce its admissions number for the reception year group at Hillside Community First School from 60 to 30 has been scrapped.

In a letter to parents, Liz West, CEO of WAT says every response to the consultation has been carefully considered, and after detailed discussions and analysis they have decided to keep the Pupil Admissions Number unchanged.

The letter goes on to say that it has become clear that more pupils than previously anticipated will be seeking school places in Verwood that year.

Hillside Community First School had pointed out that over 200 new homes are being built in the town over the next few years, increasing the number of places needed.

A message on the “Save the future of Hillside First School” Facebook group simply reads: “Well we did it… thank you all so much for showing your support, Hillside First School will continue to provide a wonderful learning environment for many more children to come.”

Hillside was the first First School to open in Verwood in 1967, and is now one of three along with Verwood First School and Trinity First School.