Shalbourne Church of England Primary School set to close after drop in pupil numbers

The school is set to close after a large drop in pupil numbers

A primary school is set to close following a significant fall in pupil numbers.

A proposal to shut Shalbourne Church of England Primary School has been approved by Wiltshire Council.

The decision comes after the number of pupils dropped from 30 in May 2023, to seven by the start of the autumn term.

Governors of the school have "reluctantly agreed" to close the school, which is due to shut on 30 April.

Vulnerable position

A public consultation on the proposed closure was held between September and October 2023.

The report presented to councillors said: "Whilst the school has always been small, the gradual decline in pupil numbers followed by a recent significant reduction in pupils has made the school both financially and academically vulnerable."

Councillor Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children's services, said: "All the children who were due to be at the school have found alternative schooling."

She described the issue of falling numbers within certain rural primary schools as "significant".

Children living within the catchment area for the school have now been reallocated to Great Bedwyn Church of England School.