Time starts to run out for tiny Alnwick school

Nov 23 2009 By Brian Daniel, The Journal

THE future looks bleak for a small rural school in the North East school after a recruitment day attracted just one would-be pupil.

Numbers at Eglingham First School, near Alnwick, Northumberland, have dropped in recent years to the current 14 as rising house prices have meant fewer young families living in the village.

Earlier this year, governors began a campaign to attract new children after revealing the future of the school, which has served the village since 1868, was under threat.

The group held an open day at the school on Saturday and beforehand said the event would give them an indication of the chances of it surviving.

Around 50 people turned up, including children, but crucially only one person came who said he wanted to send his child to Eglingham.

The governors and campaign group are to meet at the beginning of January to decide whether to begin the process of closing the school.

Last night governor Ali Wrangham admitted Saturday’s turnout gave her little hope for the future. She said: "We feel we have done our best and tried every avenue and we are going to make a decision in January."