Town’s school to shut after academy and merger plans fall through

A PRIMARY school looks set to close after a failed attempt to merge with another.

Woodfield Community Primary School, in Harrogate, received an Ofsted rating of inadequate in 2020, requiring it to obtain sponsorship as an academy.

It was unable to secure a sponsor and a merger with Grove Road

Community Primary nearby has now also fallen through.

North Yorkshire County Council said in a statement: “The governors of Woodfield Community Primary School have asked us to undertake a consultation on a proposal that the school should close, following careful consideration of the school’s position.

“The school received an inadequate Ofsted judgement following an inspection in January 2020, which required it to become a sponsored academy.

“The Regional Schools Commissioner was unable to secure a multi-academy trust to sponsor the school due to viability concerns.

“The governing body then worked with the governors of Grove Road Community Primary in Harrogate, to explore combining the two schools in order to share the benefit of both school sites.

“The move would have meant Woodfield School would technically close and become part of Grove Road from September 2022.

“An extensive consultation process was undertaken involving public meetings and gathering the views of parents and the local community.”

The governing body of Woodfield Community Primary School said: “The governors have worked incredibly hard to find a positive solution, exploring every available avenue.

“Unfortunately, it is our conclusion that we have exhausted all options that are available.”

The school will shut in the next academic year and parents will receive more information shortly.