Fountains Earth Church of England Primary School in Lofthouse in Upper Nidderdale has suffered from dwindling pupil numbers in recent years.
Council to consider closing Harrogate district primary school with no pupils
Education leaders at North Yorkshire Council are considering closing a rural school amid challenges around pupil numbers, financial pressures and teacher recruitment.
Fountains Earth Church of England Primary School in Lofthouse in Upper Nidderdale has suffered from dwindling pupil numbers in recent years.
The most recent full Ofsted inspection was in April 2017 when the school was graded as good. At the time, there were 22 pupils attending the school.
At this time last year there were 15 pupils attending the school, which is part of a federation of schools with St Cuthbert’s in Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses Primary School, sharing one headteacher.
The school’s governing board recently approached North Yorkshire Council to request consultation on a proposal to close the school after all pupils had transferred to other schools by the start of the current academic year in September.
The council will consider the request on Tuesday next week (November 7), and the executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, will decide whether to approve if consultation should be undertaken.
Cllr Wilkinson said:
“A decision to consult on potentially closing a school is always an extremely hard one to have to make. No one wants to be in this position.
“North Yorkshire maintains more small, rural schools than any other local authority in the country. Sadly, the reality is that many of our schools, particularly those in rural areas, are seeing pupil numbers reduce year-on-year.
“Fountains Earth Primary School is among the rural schools finding itself in a difficult position, particularly around pupil numbers and funding, and I will consider these issues carefully when deciding if a public consultation should proceed.”
If the consultation to close the school does proceed, it will start later in November and run for five weeks and will include a public meeting.
The council’s executive would be scheduled to consider the consultation feedback in January 2024.
If the proposed closure was approved at the end of the required process, Fountains Earth Primary School would close on March 31, 2024.
Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
New Harrogate sensory room opens in memory of baby Noah
New fines proposed to tackle illegal tobacco and vape sales in North Yorkshire
Harrogate hospital praised by patients after 'Good' CQC rating
Harrogate food hall launches unique pickle-filled Christmas hamper
North Yorkshire councillors could receive 2.6 per cent allowance rise
Plans for new multi-billion pound approach to care services
Allerton Castle Christmas experience set to return
Ryanair announce new flights from Leeds Bradford Airport
Starbeck Badger of the Year shares lifesaving skills with classmates
Leeds Bradford Airport strikes suspended as fresh pay talks planned
Irving Weaver appointed Life President of Harrogate Town AFC
Farm near Ripon scoops national farming award
WATCH: Magical woodland trail to support Masham primary school
Fountains Abbey prepares to host two-day Christmas market
New society aims to revive Harrogate's spa heritage
Inherited jewellery: where do you start?
Man found dead at property on Franklin Road in Harrogate
Killinghall Village Hall goes greener with £27,000 improvement project
Driver caught at 131mph ordered to pay over £1,500 at Harrogate court
Knaresborough toilets upgraded after recent vandalism
