Village primary school in North Yorkshire with 8 pupils could shut

North Yorkshire Council is considering a public consultation over whether to close Bilsdale Midcable Chopgate Church of England Primary in Chop Gate near Stokesley, after falling pupil numbers. The school has capacity for 48 pupils, but its November 2023 Ofsted intake showed 15 on roll. Since then, numbers have dropped further, and only half of the current eight pupils are expected to remain by the end of the academic year. Forecasts suggest the roll could fall to four in 2027/28 and three in 2028/29. Leaders cite a projected £189,200 budget deficit by 2028/29, with no viable recovery plan found. Councillor Annabel Wilkinson will decide on a five-week consultation starting in November.