North Yorkshire approves school closure consultation

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 14:24 · Archive

North Yorkshire Council has approved a consultation on closing Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate Primary School, which has eight pupils.

North Yorkshire Council has approved a consultation on the proposed closure of Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate Church of England Primary School near Stokesley, effective from 31 August 2027. The decision was taken on Tuesday by the council's executive member for education, learning and skills. The school currently has eight pupils, with a capacity of 48.

The closure proposal follows a request from the school's governing board. The board concluded that falling pupil numbers and mounting financial pressures made the school's future unsustainable. Four of the eight current pupils are in Year 6 and will leave at the end of this academic year, meaning numbers could fall to four in September 2027 and three the following year. None of the current pupils lives within the school's catchment area. According to council documents, only nine primary-aged children were living within the catchment area at the 2025/26 school census, but all attended other schools.

Governors said the dwindling roll makes it increasingly difficult to provide the breadth of educational and social experiences children need. The six-week consultation will run from 9 November to 18 December, with a public meeting also planned.

How it is being reported

• Consultation approved on closure of North Yorkshire village school with eight pupilsNorth Yorkshire Council approves consultation on closing Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate school near Stokesley, which has eight pupils, from August 2027.The Press (York) · 5 Nov, 15:30
• Consultation approved on closure of North Yorkshire village school with eight pupilsNorth Yorkshire Council approves consultation on closing Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate school near Stokesley, which has eight pupils, from August 2027.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 5 Nov, 15:30
• Key step approved as village school closure plans proposedNorth Yorkshire Council approves consultation on closing Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate school near Stokesley, which has eight pupils, from August 2027.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 5 Nov, 14:06
• Key step approved as village school closure plans proposedNorth Yorkshire Council approves consultation on closing Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate school near Stokesley, which has eight pupils, from August 2027.The Press (York) · 5 Nov, 14:06

In this story: North Yorkshire Council · Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate Church of England Primary School · Stokesley · Cllr Annabel Wilkinson

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