'The last thing they should do is close the school' - readers react as teachers at South Shields School plan action over closure

Teachers at South Shields School have announced a protest next month in a bid to show why it should be saved from closure.

A consultation process into the school's future launched in September, following the news that they failed to find a sponsor for it to convert into an academy.

South Shields Schools' latest Ofsted inspection rated them 'inadequate' - and by law, South Tyneside Council cannot maintain a school rated as such.

Related content: Teacher protest to save South Shields School

The first phase of the consultation will end on November 2 - with the teachers' protest set to take place the day before.

The majority of Gazette readers reacting to the story on social media showed their support for the school, its pupils and staff.

Some argued that you could not escape the fact that the school had been rated as 'inadequate', while others argued that parents must do what they think best for their children with regards to their education.

Here is how you reacted to the story on social media:

Natalie Sayers: "100% behind all staff, my son leaves this year without the supporting teachers he wouldn’t be where he is today. If something is broken you fix it."

Sarah Hallway: "100% behind the teachers & all other staff whose jobs are under threat as a result of the possible closure of the school.

"All the support from the local community, our MP & even further afield is outstanding."

Joan Mckay: "Surely with all the new houses being built we need more schools not less. If the school is not performing well then fix it, don't pull it down."

Bonita Nesbitt: "I am a parent of a Year 9 student, I back the school completely, I hope the[local authority] will find a way to keep our first-choice school open."

Rachel Omann: "Yes I support them. Last thing they should do is close the school. If it's behind target then put more funds in and get it back up to scratch!"

Rebecca Orr: "I absolutely back the staff! I have lots of lovely ex-colleagues who continue to be amazing teachers!"

Leanne Habbershaw: "100% support this day of action. Remember this hasn't been taken lightly by the members of staff as by doing this it affects their pay and pension.

"However if people in any other job [were] told they could be losing their job and they planned a day of action nobody would [bat] an eyelid."

Further updates: Campaigners march in protest of South Shields school closure

Linda Hope: "Yes I wholeheartedly support not only the staff but the parents and pupils as well."

Kate Gillespie: "It’s brand new! To knock it down would be a travesty."

Rebecca Bailey: "100% behind the school and staff. The community is coming together to save our kids' school, we stand united as parents, staff and the public to fight the proposed closure."