IT’S the end of an era – Alderman Blaxill School, in Colchester, has closed for good.

The school, which opened in 1955, fought off two attempts to shut it, but finally said goodbye yesterday.

Just 19 Year 9 students were there to celebrate the school’s achievements and share pizzas with staff.

Phil Jones, associate headteacher, said he was determined the school would not to go out with a whimper.

He said: “We wanted to go out on a high.

“I wanted everyone who left to say: That was an important part of my life’, and then move on to the next chapter, whatever that may be.”

See Wednesday's Gazette for the full story.