THE anger that has been expressed by supporters of St Andrew’s School at the supposed U-turn by the Education Department over whether it should close or not is understandable – but technically misplaced.

The department never said that the establishment, much loved though it is, would remain open. The recommendation was that St Sampson’s Infants should close but that the final decision would rest with the States.

To that extent, the parish’s celebrations were premature and victory can be claimed only at the end of the month after the Assembly has issued a verdict. That said, however, parents, pupils and staff are bound to feel somewhat let down, believing that if the responsible department and minister say it should remain open then that would be the end of the matter.

Alas for St Andrew’s, it is not that simple. Although Education has the power to take such a decision, it decided by a majority to ask the States to endorse its recommendation.

What has changed in the interim is that the wording of the propositions on which members will vote has been altered to make it easier for the House, if it is minded, to vote for the closure of St Sampson’s Infants and (by not accepting a second proposition) for the closure of St Andrew’s.

There is support in the chamber for that course of action and it may even be backed by some members of Education since the ‘keep it open’ decision had been reached by a majority only.

This is clearly a sensitive and emotive topic and one that affects a lot of youngsters, their families and their teachers. It is one reason why the Policy Council questioned the wording of the propositions and also why Education believed that leaving the final say on the school’s future should be left to the States as a whole.

While the department could therefore be accused of ducking its responsibilities, it had no practical alternative.

Taking the decision on its own would have triggered a letter signed by 24 members (or thereabouts) demanding a full democratic debate.

In the meantime, St Andrew’s agonising wait continues.