Harrogate district primary school with just six pupils looks set to close

Kell Bank Church of England Primary School in Masham - which is this year celebrating its 200th anniversary - began consulting on a potential closure in October last year due to a drop in pupil numbers.

The outstanding-rated school originally had the capacity to take around 50 children but pupil numbers have tumbled from 45 in 2013 to just six this year.

North Yorkshire County Council's executive will vote next week to publish statutory notices on the proposal and a final decision on the closure is expected on 23 March.

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A report due before the executive next week said attempts from parents and governors to try and find a solution to save the school had failed.

"Local authority officers have concluded that closure of the school would be in the best interests of the children at the school and the future education of pupils in the area," the report said.

“There are places available at other local schools within a reasonable travel distance. It is therefore the view that there is a strong case for closure, which outweighs other considerations.”

If the move is agreed by councillors, the school will close at the end of August this year and the catchment area would be extended to the nearby Masham Church of England Primary School.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter