A SCHOOL is battling plans to "bring it down" by capping its class numbers.

Hillside Primary School has 58 children on roll for its reception classes this term but the local education authority (LEA) has said it could be forced to cut numbers to 45 per year.

This enforced cut to one-and-half forms means a teacher could lose their job and classes will probably have to have mixed age groups.

The school has had an official admission number of 45 since it opened in September 1998 but headteacher Yvonne Beston says this is the first time the LEA has tried to cap the number.

It is currently holding a working party to examine the effect of Hillside having around 60 pupils coming in to the school every year.

The review will ask neighbouring schools whether they think the school in Dyke Drive, Orpington, should be allowed to officially increase its entry system to 60 pupils or be forced to only accept 45.

Hillside is doing everything it can to oppose any enforced capping, including speaking at Bromley Council's children and young people policy development and scrutiny committee meetings.

Parents are also emailing the executive portfolio holder for children and young people Councillor Ernest Noad asking him not to restrict the numbers.

Mrs Beston said: "The area has a few undersubscribed schools and I think they are trying to appease these headteachers by saying they can cap our school.

"All we want is for them to say we can have the pupils which want to come.

"They should be working with us but I think they're working to get it through. I feel as if we are under siege and it is an ongoing battle.

"We can accommodate 60 pupils and it seems terrible to bring down a successful school.

"I came here to head the school and I do not want to see it destroyed."

A Bromley Council spokesman said: "Portfolio holder for children and young people Councillor Ernest Noad, agreed the working party re-examine the issues.

"There will be a report to Cllr Noad at his meeting on November 14."