West Sussex County Council seeks views on Twineham school closure

A council is asking for views on its proposal to close a village primary school due to dwindling pupil numbers.

West Sussex County Council said demand for the 105-capacity Twineham Primary School, in Haywards Heath, had been declining, with just 48 pupils on roll in the summer term.

It said this had put “significant pressure” on its ability to manage finances and deliver what is necessary for its intake, so was proposing to close the school in August next year.

Jacquie Russell, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “I understand that the proposed closure of a school is extremely emotive.”

She said: “It is important that our schools remain viable moving forward and are able to deliver good outcomes for pupils.”

“Alternatives, including federation or amalgamation with other primary schools and academisation, have all been explored, but the council’s review determined these were not viable.”

Russell said all views put forward during the consultation period would be considered before the council decided whether to proceed.

The consultation will close just before midnight on 16 October.