Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Decision approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 16, 2025

Purpose: This report informs the Cabinet of the outcome of the statutory consultation period in respect of the proposal to discontinue (close) Calverton Primary School.   Cabinet is requested to consider the representations received during the statutory consultation period including the decision maker guidance and take a decision as to whether to proceed with the closure of Calverton Primary School on 31 August 2026.  

Content: For the reasons set out in this report and its appendices, Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree to:   i)  Approve the proposal to discontinue (close) Calverton Primary School on 31 August 2026.   Alternatives considered   a)  Local Authority officers continue the work with schools to ensure that they are financially viable. b)  For Calverton Primary School, a range of options have already been explored such as: ·  reducing the school's published admission number; ·  income generation opportunities; ·  reducing staffing levels further; ·  merging with another school; ·  joining a multi-academy trust (MAT) c)  Unfortunately, given pupil numbers are expected to fall further, none of these options will be successful or will help in recovering the accumulated deficit. d)  Do nothing: This is not recommended as it would likely result in a growing budget deficit, estimated to grow by around £0.6m per annum. This is not educationally or financially sustainable and does not provide best value when dealing with budget pressures. e)  Cabinet could decide to delay its decision on closure. However, should the school close later than the proposed date of 31 August 2026, the school’s financial position will significantly worsen, impacting on the quality of education for its current pupils and leaving an even bigger budget deficit. Any future write-off of this growing deficit would fall to the Council's general fund.