Parents and residents are being asked to share their views about the future of a primary school in North Yorkshire.

A consultation has been launched today (Monday, November 9) to gather the public’s views on Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate Church of England Primary School.

The school has in recent years suffered from dwindling class numbers impacting the school’s financial position.

The school, in the village of Chop Gate near Stokesley, was rated good by Ofsted at its most recent full inspection in November 2023, when 15 pupils were on roll.

Since then, pupil numbers have continued to decline and there are currently just eight children attending the school. Half of those pupils are in Year 6 and due to leave at the end of this academic year, while all current pupils live outside the school’s catchment area.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “This is an important consultation and it is essential we take everybody’s views into account.

“We value our smaller schools and understand their importance, especially in close-knit communities of North Yorkshire. Therefore, I would urge parents, carers and the local school communities to share their views so that we can make an informed decision as to what steps to take next.”

Alongside the challenges presented by declining pupil numbers, the school is facing a difficult financial position. School leaders are forecasting a budget deficit of £189,200 by 2028/29, with no viable long-term recovery plan identified due to the low number of school-age children living within the local area.

A request to consult on the next steps in the future of the school was given the go-ahead by Cllr Wilkinson on Tuesday last week (November 3).

The closing date for responses to the consultation is 5pm on Friday, December 18.

In addition to an online consultation, a public meeting is set to take place at  Bilsdale Midcable Chop Gate Primary School, Chop Gate, TS9 7JL on Thursday, November 26 at 5-30 pm.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive members will consider the consultation feedback in January next year.

If the proposed closure is approved at the end of the required process, then Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate Church of England Primary School would close on August 31 next year.

More information and for anyone wishing to take part in the consultation can be found online at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/bilsdale-consultation