School closure possible as pupil numbers head towards five

ONE of North Yorkshire’s smallest schools is facing closure because of fears that the number of pupils could fall as low as five within three years.

Governors of St Peter and St Paul Catholic voluntary aided primary school in Leyburn have notified North Yorkshire County Council that they wish to consult on the school’s closure.

The Roman Catholic primary has 19 pupils on roll now, but this number could fall as low as five by 2013 if current trends continue.

Governors are concerned that pupils do not have access to the full range of educational experiences, particularly for working and playing with children of their own age.

Moreover at key stage 1 low numbers are coupled with a gender imbalance as there are no boys and in reception there is only one girl.

Teaming up with another school is enabling these pupils to access PE and other activities with a peer group, but this cannot continue long term.

Teaching and learning has improved significantly recently due to a plan agreed with the council to raise standards but numbers have continued to fall and governors say it is unlikely that the quality of education can be improved further.

The possibility of federation with another school and other organisational changes have been explored, but no long-term solution has been found.

Education officials say the school’s revenue budget will go into deficit in the next financial year.

Coun John Watson, North Yorkshire’s executive member for schools, said: “We do understand the problems schools encounter when numbers drop very low and understand what a difficult decision this must have been for governors. We will do everything we can to help governors through the process and ensure that should the school close children will be found places in other schools.”

The consultation paper will be distributed to parents, staff and the Diocese of Middlesbrough and other interested parties on September 20.

If the closure proposal goes ahead when the consultation ends in November, council leaders will be asked to stop maintaining the school. The Bishop of Middlesbrough will take the final decision on closure.