The Victorian Opposition has weighed into the debate, accusing the Government of not acknowledging Bendigo’s population boom and closing schools by stealth.

Angry parents reiterated claims that the Education Department used sneaky tactics in pushing through a motion to close the primary section of the school.

“We will fight this without a doubt,” Kerrie Murley said.

“I just believe this was done in a very underhanded way. We are the parents of the students - where is our say?”

Susanne Jackson’s daughter was to start at the school next year, joining her sister.

“To be told she is not wanted is very upsetting for her - we are very disappointed,” Ms Jackson said.

Andrea Howden, whose daughter is in grade 1, said parents were told after the last push to close the primary school three years ago that they didn’t have to worry about it.

“It is devastating for the kids. We were guaranteed it wouldn’t happen - it’s terrible.”

Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Region Wendy Lovell slammed the Government and said she was outraged that another Bendigo school would be closed.

“Labor’s education plan for Bendigo is clearly to close schools by stealth.

“This is the sixth closure in Bendigo, and it is starting to get quite serious.

“With Bendigo’s population predicted to soar to 139,000 people by 2031, the Brumby Labor Government’s focus should be on providing educational facilities capable of catering for the growing population, rather than reducing capacity by closing schools.

“Experts have stated that many primary school children do better in smaller school environments, yet Labor is producing large and impersonal super schools that may not produce the best opportunities or results for Bendigo students.”

Australian Education Union Bendigo organiser Michael Craven said the union held a discussion with the Department of Education yesterday to ensure job protection for staff affected by the decision.