Two North Yorkshire village schools to merge from 2027

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Two village primary schools in North Yorkshire could merge into a single school operating across both sites.

Snape Community Primary School and Thornton Watlass Church of England Primary School could merge into a single school from April 2027, with younger pupils taught at Snape and older children at Thornton Watlass. The proposal aims to secure the schools' future and address legal compliance issues.

The two schools currently operate as a federation, sharing leadership and teaching arrangements to cope with falling pupil numbers. However, their existing arrangement involves some children being taught at a school other than the one they are officially registered at. Legal advice received by North Yorkshire Council in summer 2024 concluded that this arrangement does not comply with legislation governing school admissions and pupil registration.

Under the merger plan, Snape Community Primary School would technically close, with Thornton Watlass Church of England Primary School expanding to operate across both sites. Nursery, reception and key stage one children would be educated at Snape, while pupils in years three to six would attend Thornton Watlass. The schools' governing board considered four alternatives, including continuing as separate schools and closing one site entirely, before recommending the merger option that retains both buildings.

How it is being reported

• Two North Yorkshire village schools could merge to secure futureTwo village primary schools in Yorkshire could be merged into a single school operating across both sites under a plan to secure their future.York Press · 22 Oct, 05:00
• Two North Yorkshire village schools could merge to secure futureTwo village primary schools in Yorkshire could be merged into a single school operating across both sites under a plan to secure their future.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 22 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Snape Community Primary School · Thornton Watlass Church of England Primary School · North Yorkshire · North Yorkshire Council

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