Heversham primary school to close

A primary school near Milnthorpe is to close at the end of the summer term.
Heversham St Peter's CE Primary School.Heversham St Peter's CE Primary School.
Heversham St Peter's CE Primary School.

Heversham St Peter’s CE Primary School has sent a letter to all parents informing them that the Multi Academy Trust board has decided to recommend that the school be closed at the end of the summer term.

This decision will now go to the Regional Schools Commissioner and then to the Secretary of State.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The final, formal ratification of the board’s recommendation is expected around Easter.

The school is the second in the area to come under threat, after North Yorkshire County Council made the decision to close Horton-in-Ribblesdale Primary School at the end of the academic year.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has expressed his disappointment at the “short-sighted” decision to close the school, pointing out that many new homes are being built in the area which will lead to an increase in demand for places.

He said: “This is a disappointing outcome for those involved in the school, whether as pupils, parents or teachers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The school has been through a difficult period but it is not that long ago that the school was five times its current size.

“The decision to close the school is short-sighted at a time when new homes are being built all around the school, which will lead to increased demand for places at the school.

“As a parent whose children went to a neighbouring primary school, there are questions about the capacity of other nearby schools to take in more and more pupils as the number of homes rises and the number of schools goes down.”