Parents are to be consulted on plans to close a County Durham school amid falling pupil numbers and insufficient improvement since its last inspection.
Startforth Morritt Memorial Primary School in Barnard Castle is less than one third full and was judged by Ofsted as “Requiring Improvement” in 2014.
For two years Durham County Council, governors and the Church of England diocese have sought a solution – including asking governors of other schools for support, and proposing an amalgamation with a nearby primary – but neither have gone ahead.
Now a consultation is being launched on plans that would ensure children receive the highest quality education, by moving them to larger schools that are “Good” or “Outstanding,” from January 2017.
The council’s strategic manager for school places and admissions, Sheila Palmerley, said: “Schools need to be sustainable in the long term, and we have a number of concerns about Startforth Morritt Memorial Primary.
“The most recent Ofsted inspection said the school requiring improvement but we do not believe progress has been sufficient to move the school forward from that judgement should it be inspected again.
“Also, the school has capacity for 112 pupils. At the time of that inspection there were 57 pupils on roll. That has fallen to 36 pupils currently, and is projected to decrease further – to about 28 pupils – in future years.
“Furthermore there is currently no headteacher in post and although some part-time leadership has been provided by the head of an outstanding school elsewhere in the county, that arrangement will cease in August.
“We have been discussing these issues with the governors of the school and the diocese for some time, and the outcome that is this consultation, on proposals to close of the school on 31 December 2016.”
Pupils from Startforth Morritt Memorial Primary could potentially attend one of five other schools in the area.
Following the consultation, which will be concluded before the school summer holidays, the council’s Cabinet will meet in September 2016 to decide whether to close the school or not.
Should the school close the council and diocese would provide support should local community groups wish to look into continuing to use the school building for other activities.
To take part in the consultation email your views to schoolorganisation@durham.gov.uk or complete the response form online at www.durham.gov.uk by 24 June 2016.