Attempt to close 150‑year‑old school with no pupils

An application has been made to the Department for Education (DfE) to close a school that is more than 150 years old, as it has no pupils.

There are currently no students enrolled at St Loys CEVA Primary Academy in the Northamptonshire village of Weedon Lois, near Towcester, and there have been no school place applications submitted for September 2026.

Evolve Church Academy Trust said an application has now been made to shut the school before the start of the next school year.

David Rosevear, acting chief executive, said: "It is always regrettable when a good school like St Loys experiences falling pupil numbers, but this is an issue being faced by many small, rural schools across the country."

The school was given a Good rating by Ofsted after its most recent inspection towards the end of 2021.

At the time, there were 56 pupils attending.

West Northamptonshire Council said there were enough spaces at other local schools to accommodate projected pupil numbers in the area, according to the trust.

If the application to shut the school is successful, the diocese, which owns it, will explore other uses for the building.

A listening period will run until 17:00 BST on 28 June, for local people to share their views on the closure.

On Friday, a public meeting will take place at the school to discuss the closure proposal.

DfE was contacted for comment.

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