Corpusty Primary School

Adam Jogee Excerpts

Tuesday 17th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Steff Aquarone (North Norfolk) (LD)]

As a serving county councillor, I refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.

Corpusty primary school is a valued small rural school in my constituency threatened with closure at the end of this academic year. It has educated generations of children in North Norfolk, and is a vital asset to the rural communities of Corpusty, Saxthorpe and the surrounding villages. The Conservatives on Norfolk county council could take action to try to prevent this closure, but they are refusing. Catchments could be widened, new housing will bring new families, and proper placemaking strategies could be employed—but the council will not do it.

The petition states:

“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.”

Following is the full text of the petition:

[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.]

[P003171]

[Adam Jogee (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Today is 17 March, St Patrick’s day. People will be celebrating across the world, something that has been made easier for us this evening because Opposition Members voted for the Government business today. Madam Deputy Speaker, as chair of the Ireland and the Irish in Britain all-party parliamentary group, I seek your guidance on the best way for this House to send its best wishes to all the Irish staff working in this place, and to all those who are Irish and who wish they were Irish, in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across the kingdom. And may I say, through you Madam Deputy Speaker, happy St Patrick’s day?

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

While that is not a matter for the Chair, the hon. Member has put his comments on the record.