West Sussex County Council is inviting people to have a say on proposals to close Twineham CE Primary School in Haywards Heath.
Demand for places at the 105-capacity school has been declining, with only 48 pupils on roll in the summer term 2025. This is expected to fall to fewer than 26 pupils in September 2025.
Declining pupil numbers puts significant pressures on a school’s ability to plan ahead and manage and secure finances, which in turn impacts its ability to deliver good outcomes for its pupils.
The council is proposing to close Twineham CE Primary School with effect from 31 August 2026 and has opened a consultation for pupils, parents and carers, staff, governors, the local community and other interested parties to take part and ensure their views are heard throughout the decision-making process.
FIND OUT MORE AND TAKE PART: Consultation on the proposal to close Twineham CE (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School | Your Voice West Sussex
Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “It is important that our schools remain viable moving forward and are able to deliver good outcomes for pupils.
“I understand that the proposed closure of a school is extremely emotive, especially for present and past pupils, parents and carers, staff and the local community.
“Alternatives including federation or amalgamation with other primary schools and academisation have all been explored, but the council’s review determined these were not viable for Twineham CE Primary School.
“The consultation offers the opportunity for people to express their views on the proposal to close the school. I will consider all the views put forward during the consultation period before taking a decision on whether to proceed with the statutory process to close the school.”
The county council will take steps to minimise disruption to education whilst the consultation is ongoing and meetings with staff, parents and carers have been arranged.
All responses need to be submitted before 11:55pm on 16 October when the consultation will close.
