Merging Ten Mile Bank and Hilgay Riverside Academies would ‘offer pupils more enriching experience,’ says DEMAT
An academy trust which is proposing to merge two West Norfolk primary schools has said doing so would offer a “much broader and enriching experience for all children”.
The Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust (DEMAT) is consulting on its proposals to amalgamate Ten Mile Bank Riverside Academy with Hilgay Riverside Academy – shutting the Ten Mile Bank site in the process.
But the plans have been met with disappointment by some parents of children at the school – who are once again campaigning to keep it open after it was saved from closure following a consultation back in 2017.
Isla Wicker, who has set up a group called ‘Save Our School - Ten Mile Bank Riverside Academy support group’ on Facebook, said: “A lot of the children benefit from the small school atmosphere. It’s like one big family there.
“The head teacher knows all the kids on a personal level – it’s a very unique school.”
She has also shared an image of a poster created by a student which says: “This school, Ten Mile Bank Riverside Academy, needs your help because we might be closed down after a year.”
Mrs Wicker is calling on more parents to apply for their children to join Ten Mile Bank in a bid to keep it open – as the consultation documents state that DEMAT’s plans have been driven by a “rapidly falling roll” and a forecast cumulative deficit of £267,902 by the end of 2026.
Only two pupils started in reception in September this year – with forecasts indicating there will be no increase in pupil numbers over the next five years, with the total roll fluctuating between 23 and 28 pupils, it adds.
A DEMAT spokesperson said: "Everything we do at DEMAT is about making sure every child gets the best possible education and opportunities during their time with us.
“Sadly, in very small schools – such as Ten Mile Bank Riverside Academy – where only a few children join reception each year, it is extremely difficult to provide the great educational experience that families deserve.
“Bringing Ten Mile Bank Riverside together with Hilgay Riverside will mean that we can offer a much broader and enriching experience for all children.
“The consultation will run until 5pm on 5 January 2024 and we look forward to seeing the feedback from the local community."
If the proposal to amalgamate the schools is accepted, it will be implemented from September 2024.
Written consultations using a form on the consultation document – which can be found online – can be submitted via consultation@demat.org.uk; through an online survey: https://forms.gle/kqrRfZ2C9KPjeA469; or hard copies of the form can be dropped off at the school office of either school.
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