North Yorkshire Council has agreed to proceed to the next stage of the process to close Fountains Earth CE Primary School in Lofthouse.
Harrogate district primary school set to close Fountains Earth Church of England Primary School in Lofthouse is set to close.
North Yorkshire Council has given the go-ahead for proposals to close the school amid challenges around pupil numbers, financial pressures and teacher recruitment.
The school in Upper Nidderdale has suffered from dwindling pupil numbers in recent years.
In November 2022, there were 15 children attending the school, which is part of the federation of schools with St Cuthbert’s in Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses Primary School, sharing one headteacher.
Early last year, the school’s governing board 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.
On 7th November last year, a formal five-week consultation on the proposed closure of the school was launched to allow local people an opportunity to share their views.
Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said:
“I would like to thank everyone from the Upper Nidderdale community who took part in the consultation exercise for this proposal.
“After carefully considering all the responses, it has been decided to continue with the plans by publishing the statutory notice formally proposing the closure of Fountains Earth Primary School.
“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.
“We have a duty to ensure every child has the best possible opportunity to succeed.”
North Yorkshire councillor for the Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale division, Cllr Andrew Murday, added:
“Although I understand the rational for closing Fountains Earth School, it is a sad day for the community and for the local children, who will now have to undertake a longer journey to and from school each day.”
Statutory notices will be published on 1st February, which will provide the opportunity for representations to be made until 29th February.
A final decision is due to be taken by the Council's executive on Tuesday 19th March.
Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Harrogate named among world's most welcoming places
Police search for Ripon glasses thief
Harrogate bus firm celebrates one year since launch of all-electric fleet
Community invited to give feedback on plans for new homes in Scotton
Tributes paid to former Ripon cricketer Peter Squires
Ripon's festive tractor run raises £7,000 for charity
Almost 300 Harrogate NHS patients faced two-month wait for cancer treatment last year
Gaming festival returns to Harrogate for third year
Record number of Ripon pupils receive Oxbridge offers
Where are the best places for afternoon tea in Harrogate?
Which venues have signed up for Harrogate Restaurant Week?
Harrogate powerlifter selected to represent Team England at Commonwealth Games
Pannal girls' teams enjoy special matchday experience at Manchester City
PR skills in high demand as Harrogate small business event sells out
Inspirational Ripon woman nominated for Yorkshire Choice Award following fundraising feat
Plug pulled on toilet fee usage plan
Government refuses to intervene in bottled water factory expansion controversy
Mayor hails new Harrogate College campus on construction site visit
FIRST LOOK: Networking opportunity for professional women in Harrogate
Jones Myers solicitor on track to boost firm's mediation expertise
