A PRIMARY school faced with closure at the end of this academic year will go out 'with its head held high' according to its headteacher.

Broadwoodwidger Primary School — known locally as Ivy House School — has served the village and surrounding area since the 1800s but is now set to be closed due to falling pupil numbers. There are currently just ten pupils on the school roll.

If the proposals are finalised, the school will close on August 31 next year and pupils will be transferred to four other primary schools within a five-mile radius at Ashwater, Clawton, Halwill and St Giles-on-the-Heath.

Before approaching Devon County Council about the potential closure of the school earlier this year, the governors considered a range of options, including long term partnership with other schools.

Acting headteacher Mrs Holly Torvell said: 'The likely closure of the school will be a sad milestone for the whole community, who will feel its loss keenly.

'However, you can't run a school, no matter how good it is, without children, and in this case they are the missing ingredient.

'The governors have tried all alternative routes but ultimately have been realistic in facing up to this tough decision. They realise that to give the pupils the best education that they deserve, both academically and socially, they need to be with other children of the same age.

'Our task now, if the closure is confirmed, is to make sure that the children have the best possible year and that Broadwoodwidger Primary School goes out with its head held high.'

As part of the consultation on the school's closure, the county council spoke to all ten pupils at the primary. The pupils indicated they were very sad at the prospect of their school closing, saying the teachers, school trips and the school dinners were some of the best things about their school.

The school's latest inspection noted that children felt 'part of one big, happy family' but also noted the many difficulties of maintaining educational standards in such a small school.

The proposals have left school staff concerned about their future, and the level of support available to them has been increased. The future of the school buildings is also under consideration by the council after people attending a meeting at the school in September suggested the facilities should be retained for use by the community.

David Hutchings, communications manager for Devon County Council, said: 'Delivering a full and balanced curriculum and additional support to ensure pupils meet age-related expectations is difficult for such a small number of children.

'In order to get the best possible education and learning opportunities for these children the closure of the school is the only practical solution since the sustainability of the school cannot be guaranteed.'

In the past year a partnership has been developed between Broadwoodwidger Primary School and St Giles-on-the-Heath Primary School to provide continuity and stability for pupils and staff in the event that the proposed closure is approved.

A consultation period took place between September 2 and October 12, and objections or comments can now be registered until 5pm on Wednesday December 15. A final decision on the future of the school will be made in January.