Falling pupil numbers prompts school closure plan

Pupil numbers were predicted to drop to less than half capacity by next summer

A Nottingham primary school could close due to declining pupil numbers, the city council has confirmed.

Snape Wood Primary and Nursery School in Bulwell has space for 210 pupils but currently has more than 80 vacancies.

The city council said because funding was calculated per pupil, these numbers affected resources available for teaching.

A consultation has been launched on closing the school in August 2026, but officials insisted pupils would be guaranteed spaces at other schools.

'Difficult proposal'

The council said that due to falling birth rates, it expected vacancies at Snape Wood to reach 60% - around 126 - by next summer.

It praised school leaders for taking collaborative action to manage the situation, including implementing mixed-age group classes and undertaking staffing restructures but said this had not solved the fundamental problem.

Cheryl Barnard, executive member for children, young people and education, said: "We know that our schools have close ties to the local area and communities, sometimes over many generations.

"This makes this proposal very difficult and not something we would choose if we felt there was a better option.

"This proposal is made with the interests of the children in mind, with the aim of creating stronger and more sustainable school provision."

The authority confirmed there was sufficient capacity at nearby Hempshill Hall, Rufford and Crabtree Farm primaries to accommodate Snape Wood children.