Plans for a public consultation on the future of Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate Church of England Primary School are set to be considered amid concerns about falling pupil numbers.
The school, in the village of Chop Gate near Stokesley, was rated good by Ofsted at its most recent full inspection in November 2023, when 15 pupils were on roll.
Since then pupil numbers have continued to decline and there are currently just eight children attending the school. Half of those pupils are in Year 6 and due to leave at the end of this academic year, while all current pupils live outside the school's catchment area.
The school's governing board has raised concerns that falling numbers could have a significant impact on both the quality of education and wider social opportunities available to children. Forecasts indicate that pupil numbers could reduce to four in 2027/28 and three in 2028/29.
With pupil numbers so low, governors believe it would become increasingly difficult to provide the wide range of educational and social opportunities that are an important part of school life. The school also has capacity for 48 pupils, meaning a significant part of the building is currently unused.
Alongside the challenges presented by declining numbers, the school is facing a difficult financial position. School leaders are forecasting a budget deficit of £189,200 by 2028/29, with no viable long-term recovery plan identified due to the low number of school-age children living within the catchment area.
As a result, the governing board has asked our executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, to request a consultation on a proposal to decide the next steps for the school’s future.
The request will be considered on Tuesday next week (3 November) when Cllr Wilkinson will decide if a public consultation should be carried out gathering feedback from the community, parents, carers and other stakeholders.
Cllr Wilkinson said: “We recognise that rural schools are often at the heart of their communities, creating close-knit environments where children, families and staff build strong relationships.
“Any proposal affecting a village school is therefore considered very carefully, especially when deciding if public consultations should proceed.”
If the go-ahead is given for a consultation to close the school, it would begin next month (November) and last for five weeks and would include a public meeting.