Brancaster Primary School to close due to lack of pupils - sparking disappointment from MP James Wild

A village primary school’s closure has been confirmed - sparking “disappointment” at the decision.

Brancaster Church of England Primary Academy was originally expected to merge with the Docking Church of England Primary School from January 1 this year, although its closure has only now been ratified.

The school’s trust, the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT), outlined plans to shut it down as part of an agreed small schools strategy. These have been approved by the Department for Education.

The trust said this was because its number of pupils fell below the “minimum number” required to keep it open.

The decision has sparked dismay from North West Norfolk MP James Wild.

He said: “I am very disappointed ministers have chosen to disregard strong representations I put forward on behalf of parents and the community against the closure of Brancaster Primary School.

“This Good-rated school provides a nurturing environment where pupils thrive, benefit from high expectations, and enjoy strong reading support and inclusive provision for children with SEND.

“Closing the school will disrupt pupils’ education and remove a much-valued part of village life. Rather than accept this proposal by DNEAT, ministers should have worked more closely with the community to explore a viable path for securing the future of this school.”

Oliver Burnwood, CEO of DNEAT, previously said: “It is extremely sad and the decision to merge is taken in the best interest of children and not at all lightly.

“We feel children at Brancaster will receive a better education at a more sustainable school such as Docking.”

The trust has been contacted for comment.

It previously said that in September this year, the pupil population would have declined to 17 as the Year 6 cohort leaves and no children living in the area join reception.

The closure is expected to take place after the end of the current school year.