The petition of residents of Corpusty, Saxthorpe and the surrounding communities of North Norfolk,
Declares that Corpusty Primary School is a vital part of the community and provides essential education for local children and families.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to work with Synergy Multi Academy Trust and Norfolk County Council to pause the proposed closure of Corpusty Primary School until alternative arrangements to secure the future of the school have been fully explored and the forthcoming local elections have taken place.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Steff Aquarone, Official Report, 17 March 2026; Vol. 782, c. 832.]
[P003171]
Observations from the Minister for School Standards (Georgia Gould):
Following a request from Synergy Multi-Academy Trust, we have approved the proposed amalgamation of Corpusty primary school with Reepham primary school on 1 September 2026. This will result in the closure of the Corpusty school site. While there is a presumption against closing small, rural primary schools, this does not mean that rural schools will never close, but it does ensure that the case for closure is strong and clearly in the best interests of educational provision in the area. We recognise that schools sometimes become unviable due to very low pupil numbers, especially where forecasts show that pupil numbers will continue to fall.
Having considered the evidence carefully, and the options available, we believe that this amalgamation is necessary and that pupils will benefit from being taught in the amalgamated school in Reepham.