School set to close over declining roll

Pupils from Waterton Junior and Infant School could move to Snapethorpe Primary School – a transfer prompted by decreasing pupil numbers and declining standards, according to Wakefield Council.

The authority is proposing to close the school and expand nearby Snapethorpe Primary School.

The school buildings and facilities at Waterton are also old and do not provide a good learning environment for pupils, the council says.

Councillor Olivia Rowley, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for children and young people said: “Change is always difficult and we understand that parents and staff may have concerns, but I want to assure them that we will do everything we can to ensure that any transition is as smooth as possible and that there is no disruption to pupils’ education.”

She said Snapethorpe is a well- led school with good facilities.

If the proposals are approved by the Council’s cabinet committee when it meets on July 12, parents and other interested parties will have until September 1 to make representations to the authority.