A Norfolk MP has thrown his support behind a group of parents fighting to save a school from closure.
Marsham Primary School, near Aylsham, could close as soon as next year because of plummeting pupil numbers and a lack of funding.
Now, Jerome Mayhew, MP for Broadland, has called for parents to take part in a consultation to save the school before it is too late.
“I am sorry to have heard about the potential closure of Marsham Primary School,” Mr Mayhew said.
“I have been in touch with a number of the parents and met with the headteacher to discuss the challenges that the school is facing following falling student numbers over the last ten years.
“I would strongly encourage parents to submit responses to the consultation before it closes on December 15 and will be liaising closely with the school and children’s services at Norfolk County Council to understand what more can be done to address these issues.
“Should a decision be taken to close the school, I will be in touch with children’s services to ensure mitigation is put in place to prevent disruption to the learning of the pupils as they transition to suitable local schools.”
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The school’s governors have said keeping the school open is "no longer considered viable" as pupil numbers have "consistently fallen" over the last few years.
The school, which is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, currently only has 13 pupils on its roll, despite having space for 35 children.
Governors say for this reason the school is now "financially unsustainable" as its budget is determined by pupil numbers.
If the proposals go ahead the school could close on August 31, 2024.
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However, a group of parents have managed to persuade the school’s leaders to host an open evening with hopes it can attract more parents to bring their children to the school.
The intake evening will take place at Marsham Primary School on Wednesday, November 29 at 5.30pm.
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