Calderdale school with not enough kids could shut
A Calderdale school may close because it does not have enough pupils.
Colden Junior and Infant School, above Hebden Bridge, did not have any pupils join its Reception class this year, Calderdale Council’s cabinet members will be told.
A report before a cabinet meeting on Monday, November 9 recommends councillors approve starting a consultation to shut the school “due to continued falling rolls leading to an unsustainable school”.
According to the report: “Falling pupil numbers at Colden Junior and Infant School are placing increasing pressures on the school’s long-term financial sustainability as well as considerations regarding being able to offer children remaining a suitable and varied curriculum in future years.
"Pupil numbers remain significantly below the school's published admission number, with no pupils joining the school reception class in September 2026 and the likelihood of one or very few joining next September.”
The situation means recruiting and retaining staff is becoming “increasingly difficult”, the report adds.
In addition, a council assessment has identified around £332,000 of “urgent condition works” needed to maintain the school building “so that it can remain safe and operational”.
"This cost is purely a calculation for remedial work and does not include any investigative works or asbestos removal which would likely be needed in addition, prior to commencement of any significant works,” the report adds.
"This itself could lead to the need to close the school building for a period whilst works took place."
There are currently just 35 children on the roll at Colden Junior and Infant School.
With 12 year six pupils leaving next summer, the report warns that school may have 23 or fewer pupils by September 2027, with the possibility of two year groups of no pupils.
The option councillors are being recommended to approve would see a consultation launched on closing the school at the end of this academic year.
"There is sufficient capacity within neighbouring schools to accommodate pupils currently attending Colden Junior and Infant School should closure proceed,” says the report.
"Closure would result in some initial disruption for pupils, families and staff and would remove a rural school from the community.
"Careful transition planning would be required to minimise the impact on children.”
There are currently 16 members of staff who would lose their jobs – four teachers and 12 support staff.