Time running out for Eglingham First School
The future looks bleak for a small rural school in Northumberland after a recruitment day attracted just one would-be pupil.
Numbers at Eglingham First School, near Alnwick, Northumberland, have dropped in recent years to the current 14 as rising house prices have meant fewer young families living in the village.
Pupils, from left, Emily Kate Bennett, Grace Collingwood Cameron, Rachel Smailes (all 8) and governor Ali Wrangham
Earlier this year, governors began a campaign to attract new children after revealing the future of the school, which has served the village since 1868, was under threat.
The group held an open day at the school on Saturday and beforehand said the event would give them an indication of the chances of it surviving.
Around 50 people turned up, including children, but crucially only one person came who said he wanted to send his child to Eglingham.
The governors and campaign group are to meet at the beginning of January to decide whether to begin the process of closing the school.
Last night governor Ali Wrangham admitted Saturday's turnout gave her little hope for the future. She said: "We feel we have done our best and tried every avenue and we are going to make a decision in January."
Behind the scenes, governors have explored another avenues for keeping the school open.
A meeting was held with Whittingham First School about a possible federation link-up but governors say that is unlikely to happen.
Northumberland county councillor John Taylor, who attended Saturday's open day, is to ask the authority to extend the school's catchment area.
He said: "I'll do whatever I can to help keep the school open. Schools like this are a vital part of the education system."
But governors, who hoped to attract children from towns like Alnwick, doubt increasing the catchment area would yield a great number of extra children because of the scarcity of young families in the wider area.
Governors are pursuing setting up a private nursery, with an enterprise at Lucker keen on establishing new premises.
Saturday's open day was attended by former pupil Lucy Sharp, 24, and her mother Lizzy, who live at Alnwick.
Mrs Sharp said: "It will be such a shame if it closes and those advantages are lost," she said.
Parent Avril Huntley, of Chillingham, whose son James, 8, is a pupil, said: "James didn't enjoy his previous school but he loves it at Eglingham.
"His confidence has grown so much he's happy to come on the school bus which has given him a great sense of independence. It's a great preparation for moving on to a bigger school."
Pictured right: Rachel Smailes, 8
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