'All options still open' over Shropshire primary school's future

Karen Bradshaw said falling pupil numbers, financial sustainability and sustaining high-quality education at Buildwas Primary School, near Ironbridge, would be key factors when looking into its future.

Mrs Bradshaw, director of children's services at Shropshire Council, said the two main options were for Buildwas to be sponsored by a successful existing academy or for the school to close.

More than 100 people attended a public meeting in Buildwas Village Hall to discuss possible ways of keeping the school open, which was placed into special measures by Ofsted in January. Mrs Bradshaw said no sponsorship had been available when the idea of closing the school had been first suggested in June.

She said: "After Buildwas was placed into special measures, Shropshire Council was involved in initial discussions, along with the Department for Education Academy Broker, to secure an academy solution for the school.

"However, no academy solution was forthcoming at that time.

"Taking into account other factors, including falling numbers of pupils on roll, the future financial sustainability of the school and the capacity for the school to sustain effective high-quality education, Shropshire Council decided to consult on proposals to close Buildwas School.

"We do understand that subsequent to this, a potential academy sponsor is currently being considered."

An Ofsted inspection in April 2013 showed the school required improvement and then in November 2014 Shropshire Council raised concerns with the school's governing body about the performance of the school.

The school was placed into special measures by Ofsted following a further inspection in January 2015 and the council then announced it was considering closing the school during the summer.

A six week consultation was launched, which will end on October 28, when cabinet will make its recommendation.

If the council decides the school should close, a further six-week consultation will take place with a final decision no later than December 9.

Mrs Bradshaw said: "When a school is subject to special measures, the local authority is required to write a commentary and a statement of action, and this has to demonstrate appropriate action to secure the rapid improvement of the school for the benefit of its current pupils.

"The local authority is also expected to consider the long-term future of the school. The statement of action for Buildwas Primary therefore includes consideration of various options, including sponsorship by a successful academy and the option to close the school."