A SCHOOL in North Yorkshire has announced its intention to close after this academic year.

Holy Family Catholic High School, in Carlton near Selby, has announced that it has ‘had to reluctantly consider the closure of the school on grounds of financial viability’ after August 31, 2025.

The decision, made in conjunction with the Diocese of Leeds and The Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust intervention board, was posted on the trust's website on Monday evening (September 23) following a significant decline in both young people living near the school and transport services.

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As a result of the drop in numbers and the subsequent lack of funding received, the school says it is not possible to continue operating and delivering the level of education that young people deserve.

According to the school website, pupil numbers have been declining over the past five years and despite the best efforts of the school, trust and its current and previous governing bodies, there are now only 298 children on roll out of an expected 425.

The Department of Education has agreed that the school can begin the process of closing.

The trust is also working with North Yorkshire and East Riding councils to ensure that each pupil will have a place at a new school by September 2025.

They have also said that they ‘will remain committed to delivering the highest possible standard of education and to supporting the pupils, families and staff during this difficult period of transition’.

The Diocese of Leeds’ Director of Education, Kieron Flood, said: “The proposal to close Holy Family Catholic High School in Carlton has been given serious consideration by the Diocese of Leeds.

“In recent years, the removal of services and funding for school transport to support access to faith schools has ultimately led to low pupil numbers at the school due to its location. The decline in numbers and consequent long-term budget deficits have caused significant challenges to the school, and it has become increasingly apparent that it will no longer be able to provide a high-quality full curriculum offer for all its pupils.

“Whilst no one would wish to close one of our Catholic High Schools, we must be realistic as we do not have any other options available.

“Consequently, the Diocese is working with the Trust, DfE and associated local authorities to ensure that families are supported in their transition to other schools in the area, in particular making families aware of other faith schools in the region.”

Please visit the school website https://www.holyfamilycarlton.org/closure-information/  for updates and FAQs for media comments, please email prandmedia@bkcat.co.uk