TEACHERS and pupils at the only school for the deaf in Bucks were celebrating this week after learning that they had virtually won their fight to stay open.

Parents began battling to save Penn School more than a year ago after owners Camden Borough Council announced that it intended to withdraw funding in August, because no Camden children attended the school.

Now junior minister Charles Clarke MP has agreed the school could be independently run from September through a trust fund set up by governors.

Mr Clarke told an adjourned Commons debate on Monday evening: "Penn School is close to the hearts of many who are interested in the education of deaf children."

Final approval will be given by Education Secretary David Blunkett when the school and Camden Borough Council have agreed terms and conditions for the sale of the site.

The school's sponsors will also need to assure Mr Blunkett that the school will be financially secure for the first five years.

Headteacher Alan Jones, of the school in Church Road, Penn, was one of the 30 people who travelled to the Commons to hear the minister back the school's application.

He said: "I am delighted. I was very happy to be there to listen to the decision. There is very little to sort out now, so as far as we are concerned we have got the go-ahead for September."

Chairman of governors and trustee John Tripp, of Laurel Court, Chesham Bois, Amersham, was also at the debate.

He said: "Staff and parents were absolutely euphoric when they heard the decision. A lot of hours of blood, sweat and tears have gone into it.

"I have spent most of my life badgering people to get things moving. We now have to get more pupils back into the school because Camden restricted entry. We have already had some parents come to us. Our position is very hopeful."

Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan supported the school with Beaconsfield's Dominic Grieve and Aylesbury's David Lidington.

She said: "I am so pleased that the minister accepted the argument that Penn School should continue its work as an expanded regional resource for secondary-age pupils with special needs.

"To be able to send those with the greatest interest in the school home tonight with happiness in their hearts means a great deal."

She said there were "some precursors to the final signing of the document", but she felt sure "most barriers would melt away".

"This has been a great evening for everyone who cares about the school," she added.

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