A decision has been made over two schools threatened with the closure of their junior classes – and they're facing different fates this September.

Plans had been put forward to only have infant pupils at Coverack and Cury primary schools, following a fall in numbers, with pupils in years three to six moving to another school to finish their education before going to secondary school.

The Southerly Point Co-operative Trust, the multi-academy trust that runs 17 primary schools and both the Helston and Lizard area's secondary schools, said that funding was dictated by the number of pupils attending and at both of those schools the "current two-class model is not financially sustainable."

READ MORE:

A four-week public consultation was launched with parents to decide whether a proposal should be put forward to the Department of Education for changes to be introduced in time for the new school year.

Now Southerly Point has announced the decision, which is that Coverack School will remain as it is for a further two years but that Cury School will progress towards being infants only come September.

A spokesperson for the multi-academy trust (MAT) said: "Throughout the consultation process, the Southerly Point Co-operative Multi-Academy Trust has emphasised its genuine effort to find the best solution for both school communities. It has listened to people’s views, considered suggestions made and come to a considered response, acting in line with its co-operative values and principles.

"At Cury School the numbers attending the school have been very low for the past two years and population forecasts indicate there will be no growth for the foreseeable future.

"The school’s income is based on pupil numbers. Over the past two years, it has taken measures to adjust the class structure, but can no longer be sustained in its present form.

"Having considered the consultation responses, the Trust’s board made the decision to progress the proposal to the Regional Schools’ Commissioner Headteacher Board on July 6. An update will be provided after that meeting."

Mullion Primary School has been chosen as the partner school for pupils at Cury to attend from year three onwards, and a funded transport link has been promised.

The Trust said it was working with the schools on a plan for Key Stage 2 pupils to visit Mullion Primary School before the summer break.

"The single class being taught at Cury will keep the school open, should the area’s demographics improve," he added.

However, Coverack Primary School will get to keep both its infant and junior classes for then next two years, under a slightly different structure, after parents and the community launched a protest against the class closure.

Falmouth Packet:

The Coverack School protest

The Trust added: "Following the consultation, Coverack Primary School’s class structure will be altered to a 1.8 teaching model. For four days both classes will operate and on the fifth day the school will have a joint class.

"This arrangement will be kept under review to ensure there is no detriment to educational standards.

"Over the course of the next two years, the Trust will work with the community to find ways to make the school sustainable, without detriment to the other schools in the area."

The decision has been welcomed by Zoe Holmes, one of the spokesperson for the campaigners in Coverack, who posted in the village Facebook group: "This consultation process has highlighted what an amazingly supportive community we live in and that together our voice can be heard, and we thank the Trust for listening.

"This is the start of a really exciting time for Coverack school and all of its pupils. We look forward to working together to introduce wrap around provision and the enhancement of the children’s learning through enrichment activities, clubs and a reconnection with the wider community and the many talents it contains."

She added that a community group would now be formed to work closely with the Trust and the schools Parents Teachers and Friends Association, to "develop the school’s long-term future" and that it would welcome any interest and help fundraising.

Describing Coverack School as the "cornerstone" of the village since 1876, Zoe went on to say: "Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our action group, and to our MP Derek Thomas for his unwavering support and to the parish council."

Parents, former pupils and members of the community staged a protest with placards outside the school last month, against the plans.