A SCHOOL that has educated generations of Old Town children for over a century is under threat of losing a teacher and possibly a whole class, because it is short of only two pupils.
Due to national government educational requirements, the budget for schools for the next academic year is determined by the number of pupils in key stage one (reception and years one and two) in early January.
Old Town Primary School in Billy Lane
faces a “funding crisis” because current pupil numbers fall just short of the threshold required to maintain the existing funding.
School governor Jon Kimber said: “If we do not get two additional pupils before January the budget will be cut by about £15,000, which is a significant amount to a small, local village school. That would probably mean losing a member of teaching staff and possibly a whole class by amalgamating year groups.”
The school, which caters for pupils aged four to 11, currently has 86 pupils in four classes.
Mr Kimber said: “It is vital that we maintain good community schools that give children a good education in their local environment.
“In a parents’ questionnaire conducted this term, the ‘happy family atmosphere’ was the most popular reason why parents like the school.”
A recent inspection by OFSTED delivered a favourable report and there are plans in place to develop and improve the playground.
Mr Kimber added: “The whole ethos of the board of governors is to continually improve the school. It would be a great shame if this drive and enthusiasm were to be hindered by a reduction in funding for the lack of two children.”
New pupils of all abilities and backgrounds are welcome, and they do not have to live in Old Town. The yellow school bus service serves Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Luddenden Foot.
There are at present limited places available in several year groups including reception and year one. Any parents wanting more information or who would like to visit the school should contact headteacher Tristan Walker on 01422 842859.
