Victory for campaigners as Dales school reprieved

Education bosses planned to shut down both Kettlewell and Arncliffe Primaries with pupils moving to Threshfield and Grassington as a way of dealing with the issue of falling pupil numbers in Upper Wharfedale.

The proposals could also have seen the primaries in Threshfield and Grassington merging into one school on two sites.

But North Yorkshire County Council's executive yesterday agreed to amended plans that will see Arncliffe closed down but schools in Grassington, Kettlewell and Threshfield will all remain open as separate entities.

The decision represents a victory for the campaign to save Kettlewell School which had been backed by author and education expert Gervaise Phinn.

Coun John Watson, the authority's executive member for schools said: " We will be publishing notices for the closure of Arncliffe with some regret and sadness.

"However, given that pupil numbers have now fallen to only four children, it was impossible to see how the school could offer to children all the provision we would like to see and still remain financially viable.

"In relation to Kettlewell and Threshfield, we have listened to the views of the two communities, which are clear that they wish to retain their schools as separate entities.

"Challenges remain for each school, and particularly for Kettlewell, given its very low numbers, but the governing bodies are aware of this and they will need to take appropriate measures to address these issues," he added.

North Yorkshire County Council also approved plans yesterday to close down St Peter and St Paul's Roman Catholic Primary in Leyburn by 2012 because of its low pupil numbers.

The closure plan now has to be approved by Bishop of Middlesbrough Terence Drainey.

The school only has 13 pupils on roll with none in reception or year one.

If would face a budget deficit of 75,000 by 2013 if it was allowed to stay open.

Governors and staff are planning a "year of celebration" to mark the end of the school's history.

Chairman of governors Stephen Brown said: "This is a sad day because it has been a very difficult decision to make but we believe that we have made it with the best interests of our children at heart."