A small primary with a decreasing student population is facing potential closure later this year.

An announcement reportedly made by the Governing Board of the school and the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education (ODBE) has sparked a community-wide consultation, inviting views on the proposed closing of Westcott Church of England School, Aylesbury, on August 31, 2024.

The notice asserted that the rural school, with capacity for 105 pupils aged 4 to 11, has been under-subscribed for several years.

Reportedly, as of October 2023, the school had only 34 students, with seven being in the Key Stage 1 phase.

A further reduction in numbers was foreseen for the incoming 2024 admission year with just one first preference for the school registered.

The difficulties of the school have been catalogued.

Following an 'Inadequate' rating from Ofsted inspections in 2022 and 2023, along with high teacher turnover, many pupils left the educational facility.

The depletion in numbers led to funding challenges which have supposedly hindered the delivery of a "full and balanced curriculum".

"Based on these factors, and despite the best efforts of governors, staff and the support of the Council and ODBE, we are consulting on the proposed closure of Westcott Church of England School," Buckinghamshire Council stated.

The proposed closure is not without a transition plan.

Parents and carers would be required to complete an in-year admissions application form specifying up to three preferred alternative schools.

Emphasis will reportedly be placed on pupils with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), ensuring their necessary support is ongoing.

The deadline for completing the admissions application forms is slated from May 7 to June 3, 2024.

The plight of the staff group has not been overlooked.

Noted as being aware of the circumstances, they have been invited to partake in the consultation.

A separate consultation, specifically for staff, is set to run from February 8 to March 14, 2024.

Public opinion is currently being sought out through a variety of methods, including an online survey and direct email communication.

The consultation window is open until 11.59pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

Two public meetings are due to be held at the school on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 2pm and 6.30pm, to further discuss the proposal.

The Governing Board and ODBE, along with Bucks Council, will consider all responses before deciding on the next step.

If a closure should occur, it would begin taking effect on August 31, 2024.