Hopes to save one of Norfolk’s smallest primary schools from closure received a boost this week.

Parents of children at Marsham Primary School, near Aylsham, were told earlier this month that the school could close as soon as next year due to dwindling pupil numbers and a lack of funding.

The school, which is rated as Good by Ofsted, currently only has 13 pupils on its roll, with space for 35 children aged four to 11 – five children in each class from Reception to Year 6.

North Norfolk News: Marsham Primary School, in High Street, MarshamMarsham Primary School, in High Street, Marsham (Image: Google Maps)

But a group of parents has now managed to persuade the school’s hierarchy to host an open evening with hopes it can attract more parents to bring their children to the school.

The intake evening will take place at Marsham Primary School on Wednesday, November 29 at 5.30pm.

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Parent Michelle Thirstle, whose five-year-old son, Toby, attends the school, said: “We had a meeting with the governors and the headteacher and we put forward ideas of how we could try to save the school.

“One of the things we suggested was an intake evening, which they have agreed to.

“As parents, the more people that attend the better as we want to show that people are still interested in the school.

“It’s given us the opportunity to try to get more children into the school."

North Norfolk News: Parent Michelle Thirstle and her five-year-old son Toby, who attends the schoolParent Michelle Thirstle and her five-year-old son Toby, who attends the school (Image: Michelle Thirstle)

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In a letter sent to parents on November 6, governors said keeping the school open is ‘no longer considered viable’ as pupil numbers have ‘consistently fallen’ over the last few years.

Governors say the school is now ‘financially unsustainable’ as its budget is determined by pupil numbers.

Norfolk’s schools receive a lump sum as part of annual funding from the government, which is added to funds based on the number of pupils on roll.

If the proposals go ahead the school could close on August 31, 2024. 

A consultation with parents is currently underway, which will come to an end on December 15. 

For more information, contact headteacher Lydia Board by calling 01263 732 364, or email office@marsham.norfolk.sch.uk