Decision details

To ask the Cabinet Member to approve the publication of a statutory notice to formally propose the closure of Shalbourne C of E Primary School. The notice will propose to permanently close the school on the 30 April 2024

I approve the publication of a statutory notice to formally propose the closure of Shalbourne C of E Primary School.

This decision was published on 2 November 2023 and comes into effect on 10 November 2023.

Whilst the informal consultation on the proposed closure has taken place, there is a legal requirement for a statutory process which must be followed to formally propose the school closure.

This includes the publication of a statutory notice to formally propose the closure of Shalbourne C of E Primary School.

The notice will propose to permanently close the school on the 30 April 2024.

By September 2023 the number of pupils on roll at the school had reduced to 7 pupils. At the time of writing, this has reduced to 5.

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. There is only one other school in England operating with such low pupil numbers.

Therefore, the Council, with the agreement of Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education, is proposing that Shalbourne C of E School is closed with effect from the 30 April 2024.

Wiltshire Council widely consulted on the proposal to close Shalbourne C of E School between 20 September 2023 and 20 October 2023. This included the circulation of a consultation document to a number of stakeholders including parents, school staff, governors, neighbouring schools, local pre-schools, the local Councillor and Shalbourne Parish Council. Three consecutive consultation events were also held with parents, staff and all other stakeholders who wished to attend on the 5 October 2023.

A consultation form was provided to enable comments to be easily provided by all. Six consultation responses were received which are summarised in the report below.