A primary School in the Caerphilly county borough could face closure due to falling pupil numbers and growing financial pressures.
The Governing Body at Deri Primary School has written to parents this week advising them that a consultation may be undertaken in the near future to seek views about closing the school from September 2027.
Over recent years, Deri Primary has worked closely with the Local Authority to address the financial challenges it faces. Despite the considerable efforts of school leaders, staff and governors to manage resources effectively and secure the long-term sustainability of the school, declining pupil numbers have continued to present significant challenges.
The school currently has 57 pupils on the roll. Surplus places are currently at 29% and are projected to be over 60% by 2031. This continued projected decline means that the school would be unable to deliver a balanced budget.
Cllr Carol Andrews, Cabinet Member for Education said, “Problems linked to falling pupil numbers are not unique to Deri Primary and we recognise the financial impact this can have on schools. It has become apparent that the future of the school is becoming unsustainable and, as a result, governors have formally requested that the Local Authority explore the possibility of undertaking a consultation regarding the potential closure of the school.”
A report will be considered by the council’s Education and Social Services Scrutiny committee next week, before the Cabinet will be asked to make a final decision to proceed to consultation at its meeting on 23 September.
Mrs D Rogers, Chair of Governors said, “ We understand that this news may cause worry and uncertainty for families. However, it is important to reinforce that a consultation has not yet been agreed and that, at present, this is simply a request for the Local Authority to consider whether a consultation should take place.”
“We are committed to ensuring that the process remains open, transparent and fair and, as always, we will keep the wellbeing of our learners at the heart of all our work and decision-making within the school,” she added.
