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The Bloxwich secondary, which houses 850 pupils aged 11 - 19, was earmarked for closure in 2008 after finishing among the bottom 5% of schools nationally.

Protestors outside town hall, 2008

Parents and pupils responded with with a lengthy campaign to save the school peaking with a 300 strong march on Walsall town hall in October.

Initially, it was hoped that education chiefs might reconsider their plans but head teacher Sean Sweeney now says that closure looks likely.

"It's very frustrating," he said. "There has been a prolonged period of debate and discussion but we now know that the council are looking at three separate plans for the Sneyd, all of which involve its closure.

"Unfortunately, it seems that the final call is out of our hands. The school has made great strides and is improving but it seems not at a rate fast enough.

Headteacher Sean Sweeney

"We've had so much support from the local community and for that I'm very grateful but I think we've come to accept now that Sneyd as Sneyd is going to close. Obviously, with 850 pupils here as well as all the staff, this will have a big impact if they all have to be relocated."

One plan would see the school close as early as August 2010 and existing pupils being transferred to other institutions.

A spokesperson for Walsall Council said:

"Despite the best efforts of the school community and everyone working with it, the combination of standards issues, curriculum delivery and financial viability requires a transformation of educational provision to ensure higher standards.

Protest, 2008

"The support shown by parents, carers and staff has given the very clear message that they care about their children's education. Cabinet will not make any decision about the future of the school until the end of a six week consultation process."

The council is looking into the possibility of turning the site into an engineering academy for 14 - 19 year olds.