A rural primary school with just five pupils will close later this year. 

Councillors have approved plans to close Rookhope Primary School in a bid to cut costs and improve educational provision in Weardale. 

The school serves the least populated area of County Durham, close to the Northumberland border, and has served the local community since 1872. 

But the low pupil numbers means children are currently being educated at nearby St John’s Chapel Primary School and are due to remain there in the long term. 

The Northern Echo: The school serves the least populated area of County Durham, close to the Northumberland border, and has served the local community since 1872. The school serves the least populated area of County Durham, close to the Northumberland border, and has served the local community since 1872. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

There were no applications for places in reception at the school in September 2022 or September 2023. And any likelihood of new pupils is highly unlikely, the council said, as there are no anticipated new housing developments in the area that will result in children potentially attending the school.

The school was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2017, but an inspector said pupils with lower starting points did not make as much progress as their peers, and that improving the quality of learning in early years remained a focus so that children could be challenged to reach their full potential in all areas of the early years curriculum.

No comments were made on the statutory notice that was published by the council last year proposing the closure of the school from August, 31 2024.

Cllr Chris Hood, cabinet member for adult and health services, said around £128,000 a year will be saved following the closure and it will help provide a sustainable future for education in the Upper Durham Dales area. 

He told a Durham County Council cabinet meeting: “Closing a local school, especially in a remote area, is not a decision that can be made easily. But having considered all of the factors, unfortunately there is no alternative. 

“This proposal provides a solution to the issues currently being faced of extremely low to zero pupil numbers and the consequent impact on the quality of education and social experiences the school can provide. 

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“The proposal to close Rookhope Primary School is in the best interests of the children and their families from an educational perspective, and will therefore have a positive impact on those living in the local area.”

Local county councillor John Shuttleworth, of Weardale, said the school had served the once-thriving community well and was sad to see it close for good. 

He added: “It’s the last thing I wanted but I accept kids will get a better education at St John’s Chapel. It’s very very sad. I’d like to think that jobs will come along that bring families and we need another school, but we’ve got to live with it.”