A public meeting has been called as part of the consultation being carried out over the potential closure of a rural North Yorkshire Primary School.

Parents and residents are being asked to share their views about the future of Hackforth and Hornby Church of England Primary School, near Bedale.

It has suffered from dwindling class numbers in recent years, impacting its financial position, and North Yorkshire Council is carrying out a consultation on closure.

The council says there are just eight children attending the school.

(Image: North Yorkshire Council)

A request to consult on the next steps in its future was given the go-ahead by North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, on Thursday last week.

The closing date for responses to the consultation that launched earlier this week is 5pm on Friday, December 20.

Cllr Wilkinson said: “This is an important consultation and it is essential we take everybody’s views into account.

“We value our rural schools and understand their importance 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.”

(Image: North Yorkshire Council)

In addition to an online consultation, a public meeting is set to take place at Hackforth Village Hall, Hackforth, Bedale, on Wednesday, December 4, at 5.30pm.

The council’s executive members will consider the consultation feedback in January 2025.

If the proposed closure is approved at the end of the required process, then the school would close on August 31, 2025.

More information and details for anyone wishing to have their say can be found online at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/HHCEVC.