North Yorkshire village school faces closure with eight pupils

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 13:32 · Archive

Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate Primary School in North Yorkshire faces possible closure as pupil numbers have fallen to eight.

Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate Church of England Primary School in Chop Gate near Stokesley is facing possible closure after pupil numbers fell to just eight. Only four children are expected to remain next September, as four current pupils in Year 6 will leave at the end of the academic year. None of the current pupils lives within the school's catchment area.

The school, which has capacity for 48 pupils, faces a worsening financial position with a budget deficit of £189,200 forecast by 2028/29. Governors concluded that falling numbers and mounting financial pressures could make it impossible to keep the school open. Forecasts suggest numbers could fall to just four in the 2027/28 academic year and three the following year. Governors are concerned that the dwindling roll will make it increasingly difficult to provide the range of educational experiences and social opportunities children need.

Despite being rated good by Ofsted in November 2023 when it had 15 pupils, the school has struggled to attract enough children to secure its future. Governors say there is no viable long-term recovery plan because so few school-age children live within the catchment area. North Yorkshire Council is now considering launching a formal consultation on the school's closure. Local councillor Heather Moorhouse said the potential closure would be a sad loss for the community, adding that the governors 'had no other option'.

How it is being reported

• North Yorshire school built for 48 pupils faces closure with just eight on its rollBilsdale Midcable Chopgate Primary School faces possible closure as pupil numbers fall to eight and North Yorkshire Council considers consultation on November 3.Darlington & Stockton Times · 27 Oct, 13:00
• North Yorshire school built for 48 pupils faces closure with just eight on its rollBilsdale Midcable Chopgate Primary School faces possible closure as pupil numbers fall to eight and North Yorkshire Council considers consultation on November 3.The Northern Echo · 27 Oct, 13:00

In this story: Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate Church of England Primary School · North Yorkshire Council · Chop Gate · Stokesley · North Yorkshire · Heather Moorhouse · Great Ayton

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