Staff, pupils, parents and governors of St Weonards Primary School are elated with the news that the Local Authority will not be continuing with the proposal to close the school.

Thanks to an increase in pupil numbers and news that there are more to come in September the school is looking forward to a very positive future.

Since its achievement of Outstanding in its recent inspection and the launch of flexi-schooling the school has increased in number from 19 pupils in January to 28.

Maggi Newton, Headteacher told the Ross Gazette: “Following the announcement that the school is no longer at risk of closing there have been several more enquiries for places across the school and notification that there will be an increased intake of reception pupils for September.

“This will definitely take numbers to over 30 for the next academic year. As a result of this we have been able to set a financially viable budget for the next five years.”

She said that the school currently has five children who are registered for flexi-schooling. Under a signed agreement, these pupils attend school for three days a week and are then home educated for the other two days. She said that the children have settled in really well and take great enjoyment from working and playing with the other children.

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“One of the key findings in the Ofsted inspection was how well the school caters for each child as an individual.

Feedback from Flexi-Schooling parents confirms that this is very much the case,” she added.

St Weonards is already an associate member of the Herefordshire Marches Federation and is seeking full membership of the Academy Trust. The school is also on track to be converted to an academy under the Herefordshire Marches Federation of Academies, multi-academy trust in September.

Chief Executive, Peter Box told the Ross Gazette: “We are delighted that the uncertainty about the future of this outstanding school is over.

“St Weonards will now go from strength to strength as parents can be confident that the school is here to stay.”

Any parents who are interested in Flexi-Schooling or are considering a full time place, should contact the school to arrange a visit.