One of Norfolk's smallest primary schools could close due to dwindling pupil numbers and a lack of funding.

Parents of children at Marsham Primary School have been left “devastated” after being told this week that the school could close as early as next year.

In a letter sent to parents on Monday (November 6), governors said keeping the school open is ‘no longer considered viable’ as pupil numbers have ‘consistently fallen’ over the last few years.

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. 

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Parent Michelle Thirtle, whose five-year-old son, Toby, attends the school, said: “We’re absolutely devastated. 

“The school’s like a family. It’s what I always dreamt of for him and it’s one of the reasons I moved to Marsham."

North Norfolk News: Michelle Thirtle and her five-year-old son Toby, who is in Year 1 at Marsham Primary SchoolMichelle Thirtle and her five-year-old son Toby, who is in Year 1 at Marsham Primary School (Image: Michelle Thirstle)

Governors say the school is now ‘financially unsustainable’ as its budget is determined by pupil numbers.

Schools receive a lump sum as part of annual funding from the government, which is added to funds based on the number of pupils on roll.

Marsham Primary School is part of the Aylsham Cluster Trust.

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“One of the proposals is to include us under the Aylsham catchment area,” Miss Thirtle added.

“It’s concerning because when I look at two of the schools in the Aylsham area for my son’s age – John of Gaunt Infant and Nursery School and St Michael’s Church of England VA Primary and Nursery School - they both have Ofsted reports which ‘Require Improvement’, whereas Marsham’s is ‘Good’.

"I'll do everything I can to save this school. We want to have the opportunity to turn things around."

North Norfolk News: Marsham Primary SchoolMarsham Primary School (Image: Google Maps)

If the proposals go ahead the school could close on August 31, 2024. 

A consultation with parents is currently underway, which will come to an end on December 15. 

Marsham Primary School's headteacher Lydia Board was approached for comment.