Closure of Brockdish Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Overview

The Governing Body at Brockdish Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School raised concerns about the future sustainability and financial viability of the school.  The school has 7 places available in each year group, but is regularly undersubscribed.  In September 2015, there were 12 pupils on roll, of whom 9 live in the catchment area.

Norfolk County Council with the agreement of the Diocese of Norwich and the Governing Body, is considering a proposal to close Brockdish Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School from 31 August 2016.  

We held a public meeting at 6.30pm on Monday 18th January 2016 about the proposal and you can read the notes of this meeting by clicking on the link below. 

The proposal was discussed at the Children’s Services Committee on 26 January 2016.  The Committee resolved to:

• Note the contents of the report and ask that the Executive Director of Children’s Services, after listening to the debate, using delegated powers, considers whether or not to publish a formal notice to propose the closure of Brockdish Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

The Executive Director of Children's Services In pursuant of the delegated powers granted to him by the Children’s Services Committee (10^th July 2014) and in accordance within the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2014, gave permission for a public notice to be issued on the proposal to close Brockdish Voluntary Controlled Primary School and this was published in the local press (Diss Mercury) on 10 March 2016.  People then had four weeks to make further representations or comments.  The four week period closed on 7 April 2016. 

Upddate: 15 April 2016

The Executive Director of Children's Services has signed the determination notice to approve the closure of Brockdish Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School on 31 August 2016.  In coming to his decision, the Executive Director of children's Services took into acccount all the factors set out for consideration in the Guidance for Decision-makers.  Copies of the determination notice and the reasons behind the deciaion, as requried by the School Organisation Regulations, can be found at the links below.

What happens next

Parents of pupils attending the school have been sent application form(s) and have been asked to apply for the school or schools they would prefer to transfer to from September 2016.  These should be returned by 6 May 2016.  Further information can be obtained by contacting admissions@norfolk.gov.uk or by telephoning 01603 222593.