Primary school closure plans halted after backlash

A village primary school earmarked for closure next summer has been given a reprieve following a backlash from parents and carers.

Multi-academy trust Coastal Learning Partnership (CLP) proposed merging St George's in Langton Matravers, Dorset, with St Mark's in nearby Swanage amid falling pupil numbers.

Parents expressed "shock and panic" over the proposals and, at a public meeting last week, claimed the trust's consultation was flawed.

CLP said, following feedback, it had ended the consultation with immediate effect and there would be "no plans for structural changes" in the 2026/27 or 2027/28 academic years.

The two schools, which are just over one mile apart, receive the majority of their core funding from the government, based on the number of pupils enrolled.

The trust estimates, if no action is taken over the next 10 years, it could have a deficit of about £3m.

After a community meeting on 18 June, parent Charlotte Fereday said she was "beyond furious" about the trust's handling of the consultation, adding that closing the school would "devastate the village".

Parent Christopher Pike also said the consultation process had been "poorly managed", describing it as "biased".

A letter to parents on Friday, signed by CLP CEO Paul Howieson and chair of trustees Martin Copsey, said: "Continuing this consultation in its current form would not provide additional benefit and could risk extending concern and speculation around the current proposals.

"While this consultation is now being brought to a close, the underlying challenges that led us to begin this process remain.

"The reality is that both schools are facing substantial and ongoing challenges, which are recognised by staff in both schools, the diocese and the local authority.

"We must therefore continue to consider how best to secure a strong and sustainable future for both school communities."