A GROUP of parents of children at a Devon village primary school have joined together to ‘save their school’.

‘Save Sutcombe School’ is made up of a group of parents who feel their children have thrived there.

The Post has reported that Devon County Council said it is ‘with regret’ consulting on the future of the school, which may lead to a decision to close it. The council said the school has 20 pupils on roll and the capacity to take up to fifty-six.

Time is running out for the consultation. The closing date for responses to it is Tuesday, October 20 at 5pm, and the parents’ group is urging people to have their say.

Parent John Whinnerah said: “Devon County Council say that they only close schools for educational reasons. Sutcombe School’s current Ofsted rating is ‘Good’, so this is clearly not the case. I suspect this is purely financial but the cost of our childrens’ education should not be monetised.”

The group said there are ‘rich’ facilities at the school such as a polytunnel, open and covered playing areas and a full-sized playing field. They also praised the teaching, which the group said includes ‘very personally tailored programmes for all abilities from high achievers to complex special needs’.

A county council spokesman said: “The county council has a presumption against closing schools, except on educational ground. The governors have asked us to consult on the future of the school.

“The school was 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 were unable to secure leadership from September 2015, which is a statutory obligation.”

Further information and an online survey can be found at https://new.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/consultations/sutcombe-primary-school/

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