Marsham Primary School takes step closer to closure

The fate of Marsham Primary School, near Aylsham, now lies with Norfolk County Council after governors announced that they will be proceeding to the next phase of the closure despite a consultation with parents, staff and stakeholders.

Governors say keeping the school open is “no longer viable” as the low number of pupils “severely impacts on the school budget.”

Marsham Primary School currently only has 13 pupils on its roll, with space for 35 children aged four to 11 - five pupils in each class from Reception to Year 6.

Marsham Primary School, in High Street, Marsham (Image: Google Maps)

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"Following an in-depth consultation hearing from parents, staff and key stakeholders at Marsham Primary School regarding the proposed recommendation for closure, we are sadly announcing that we will now proceed to the statutory public notice stage of the school organisation process," governors said on Monday (January 15). 

"It is clear from the responses to the consultation from local residents, parents and other stakeholders that there is a lot of support for Marsham Primary School, and it holds a special place within the community.

"However, it remains that the school is no longer viable due to the low number of pupils, which severely impacts on the school budget. As such, sadly there were no feasible changes during the consultation process to identify a sustainable future for the school.

"We are aware that this news will be unsettling for everyone affected. While we will continue to proceed with the next stage of the process, the final decision regarding closure will lie with Norfolk County Council."

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Marsham Primary School is part of the Aylsham Cluster Trust.

Depending on Norfolk County Council's decision, the school could close on August 31 this year.