Little Marlow’s village school will shut its doors for good this summer after council leaders approved its closure.
Little Marlow CE School will close on August 31, citing falling pupil numbers, financial pressures and concerns about maintaining standards with such a small intake.
The proposal had been brought forward by the Federated Governing Board of Holy Trinity and Little Marlow CE Schools, with the support of the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education and Buckinghamshire Council.
An initial consultation on the school’s future ended on January 22, but no viable options were identified to keep it open.
The second stage was the publication of the statutory notice for the proposed closure of the school, which included a representation period running from February 27, to March 26. One response was received, and it was against the proposal.
Describing the step as one taken “with deep regret”, those behind the plans said there was no sustainable alternative.
They cited low current and projected pupil numbers, a surplus of school places locally and an increasing budget deficit which leaders say has made the school financially unviable.
As of February 2026, just five pupils remain at the school, all of whom are in Year 2 and due to leave at the end of the academic year.
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Governors state it is therefore “very likely” there would be no children on roll in September 2026 even if the school were to remain open.
In the council report, it said: “Following analysis of the current position in relation to pupil numbers in the Marlow area; the fact that the school will have no pupils on roll from September 2026; and, the responses from the consultation and representation period, it is recommended that the Leader, in consultation with the cabinet member for education and children’s services, approves the closure of Little Marlow CE School from 31st August 2026.”
In a letter, the governing board said: “The potential closure of the school, the impact of that on the village and the disruption to families is deeply regretted, but as no alternative proposals to ensure the future of the school were put forward during the consultation, it is the view of the Governing Board, ODBE and Buckinghamshire Council that the school remains unviable.”
All existing staff at the time of closure would be made redundant or would be offered the opportunity to move to Holy Trinity.
The school site is owned by trustees and no decision has yet been taken about its future use. The proposal notes that a reverter clause in the deeds could mean the land reverts to the heirs of the original donors if the school closes.
