School to close as numbers fall

Sparkwell primary school pupil numbers have been shrinking for years

A Devon prinmary school is to close at the end of the summer term after pupil numbers fell to 14.

Attempts were made earlier this year to keep All Saints Primary in Sparkwell open after governors reversed a decision to close it.

But the governors now say a proposed partnership with another school has proved to be "unworkable".

Vice chairman Christine Kendrick said governors "deeply regret" the decision, but pupils' wellbeing was paramount.

She said pupil numbers were projected to fall even further and acting headteacher, Jill Watts, was retiring at the end of this term.

Anne Whiteley, Devon's executive director for children and young people's services, said the fall in the school roll made it more difficult to deliver a full and balanced curriculum and attract staff.

Pupils will transfer to Cornwood Church of England Primary School, which is the nearest school.