Consultation on the proposal to close Middle Street Primary School

In June 2025, an Interim Executive Board (IEB) was appointed to replace the governing body of Middle Street Primary School in order to address serious concerns about governance and finances. 

Despite considerable efforts over the last 7 months, on 15 January 2026 the IEB concluded that the school does not have a viable future given the extent of the challenges it faces. The board has therefore recommended that the school should close. 

The council has carefully considered the IEB's recommendation and has decided to undertake a public consultation on the proposed closure of Middle Street Primary School on Monday 31 August 2026. 

Middle Street Primary School has the capacity to admit 210 pupils. There are currently fewer than 135 pupils on roll and the number of pupils on roll is projected to fall further.  

Schools are funded by the government on a formula basis. The number of pupils attending a school drives the level of funding received. This means that schools with unfilled places are under increased financial pressure and, over time, are less able to function efficiently. The council must ensure that schools are full or nearly full so that they can cope with ongoing financial pressures. 

The school is currently operating with a deficit budget. The forecast deficit for 2025/26 is £425,034 and the school is currently unable to forecast reaching a balanced budget position in the longer term. 

The declining enrolment, combined with increasing costs and the challenging budget position, means the school faces an unsustainable financial situation that severely limits its ability to continue operating effectively. 

The council understands that a potential closure will be a difficult and upsetting process for many, particularly the children, staff and community of Middle Street Primary School. Support will be provided for the education choices and wellbeing of all children and staff.   

If the closure proceeds, the council is confident that there is sufficient capacity across the city’s schools to accommodate all pupils from Middle Street Primary School. There are 534 available spaces in schools within 1.5 miles of the school.  

• Reception - 75 spaces  
• Year 1 - 72 spaces  
• Year 2 - 106 spaces  
• Year 3 - 95 spaces  
• Year 4 - 109 spaces  
• Year 5 - 77 spaces 

Should the closure go ahead, a transition process will be established including educational psychologists and admissions staff to assist families in selecting schools and supporting pupils through transitions. Pupils with EHCPs will have individual annual reviews and new provisions identified.   

Any families who have applied for Reception places at Middle Street will be contacted about the consultation and will have the option to change preferences.