Petition launched to save ‘exceptional’ teacher at King's Lynn college

Students at a college in Lynn have started a petition to "save" one of their teachers from being "forced to leave".

More than 100 people have backed the call for Dr Gary Silkstone, who they say was the College of West Anglia (CWA) course director for the access to science and nursing (ASN) and a chemistry teacher, to be re-instated.

College officials have said they are unable to comment on the case.

A student at the college, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "It has come to our attention the central reasoning for this unfair dismissal was due to 'weak teaching ability', however the response from the student body strongly suggests this is not the case."

The students said they felt the dismissal was an "absolute outrage", particularly in the weeks leading up to final exams.

"Dr Silkstone is a well-loved, respected, caring and dutiful teacher, who positively impacted each student's life during their time at CWA," they added.

"He went above and beyond for every one of his students, making students his number one priority."

The online petition, which is called 'save our teacher Gary Silkstone' and which can be found at www.thepetitionsite.com, describes the tutor as "exceptional".

A comment on the petition says the tutor "inspired them to become better" than they already were.

Another says: "I for one think Gary has been one of my best teachers.

"I don't want to see him leave, especially at such an important time of the year when his students need his support more than ever.

A spokesman for CWA said: "The college is not in a position to comment on matters relating to contractual arrangements of individual staff members."