PARENTS and teachers are celebrating following the dramatic reprieve of a tiny Yorkshire Dales primary school which had faced closure.

Closure threat lifted from Langcliffe Primary School

Langcliffe primary School near Settle has faced an uncertain few years after education bosses at North Yorkshire County Council decided in 2003 that it should close.

The school has taught children from the village since the 1820's, and scored an excellent result in its last Ofsted inspection, yet that did not prevent the recommendation for its closure which was based on falling pupil numbers.

Just 10 children are currently being taught at the school.

The North Yorkshire School Organisation Committee met on Friday (May 12th) at Settle's Victoria Hall to consider the school's fate. Members concluded, in a decision that is binding upon the County Council, that Langcliffe can remain open without any time limit or restrictions.

The decision is a major victory for parents, teachers and governors who have campaigned long and hard to keep their school open.

Chairman of the governors, Ray Heaton, said: "It is an absolutely amazing result; I can't put it into words.

"Parents who have looked round the school have loved everything about it but didn't want to send their children here because it might close.

"Hopefully those parents will now be reassured about the school's future and register their children."

A major drive will now get underway to encourage more parents to send their child to Langcliffe.

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