DEVON County Council is consulting on the future of another primary school, which could result in its closure.

The council said it is ‘with regret’ it is consulting on the future of Sutcombe Primary School.

The school currently has 20 pupils on roll, and has physical capacity to take up to 56 children.

The council said the school ‘has been operating with a high level of surplus places for some time’, adding in the consultation brochure that ‘the situation is not forecast to improve for the future’.

The document available on the county council’s consultation website continues: “The school has been in a management partnership but this will not be continuing due to concerns over viability with so few pupils.

“The Governors have tried to address these issues and put in place alternative arrangements, which have not proved successful, and are unable to secure leadership from September 2015, which is a statutory obligation.”

The school has a headteacher in place for the autumn term.

A county council spokesman told the Post: “Governors requested that a consultation be held on the future of Sutcombe Primary School due to a number of challenges currently facing the school, including a significant fall in pupil numbers in recent years and being unable to fulfil its statutory obligation to secure leadership or to secure a sustainable partnership agreement with other schools. No decision will be taken until the consultation has been completed.”

Chair of governors Steve Martin said they were going through the consultation process, adding: “We’re just dealing with it the best way really.”

The council is seeking the views of people regarding the proposals. These can be made via an online survey http://surveys.devon.gov.uk/s/sutcombe. The closing date for responses to be received is 5pm on Tuesday, October 20.

The Post previously reported on the decision to close Pyworthy Church of England School, following a consultation process.

The county council’s cabinet, at its meeting on July 8, approved the proposal to close Pyworthy Primary from December 31, 2015.