Burnholme Community College is still an option for York parents sending their children to secondary school in September.

That is the message from the chairman of the Burnholme Parents’ Forum, the group formed to try to save York’s smallest state secondary school from closure.

Dawn Leatt, who heads the parents’ group, said: “There has been some confusion lately about whether primary-school parents still making their choices are able to request the local authority to send their child to secondary school at Burnholme Community College.

“We have confirmed with Mark Ellis, the head of school services at the City of York Council, that any parent wishing to send their child to Burnholme can request this.

“Parents who already send or have sent their children to Burnholme will tell you it is a small, caring, supportive school in the heart of the community.

“It has great GCSE results and a good Ofsted report, as well as the best value added – the level of pupil improvement after they leave primary school – in the city. It treats your child as an individual and helps to enable them to reach their full potential. The school is willing for anyone to visit during the school day to see for themselves.

“This is where we need your support to show the local authority that it has seriously misjudged the community opinion of our fantastic local school.”

The Press revealed last month plans to close the school by 2014 and deputy head teacher Graham Reagan has said that with a proposed intake of only 40 new pupils next year, and a total of 230 pupils, the school needs an extra 30 to survive.

Burnholme parents and students have been canvassing parents of Year 6 students at neighbouring primary schools in a bid to help stave off the planned closure.

Ms Leatt said: “If you have a child who you would like to attend Burnholme Community College in September this year, or in future years, please complete a form and return it to Burnholme Community College reception before March 30 or phone me on 07919 375474 to arrange collection or for any queries you may have.”

Representatives of the Burnholme Parents’ Forum will be in Burnholme school hall on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, next week, from 7pm to 6pm, with parental preference forms to complete.