Only five pupils remain at Little Marlow CoE School as plans to close it move forward.

It comes as a formal notice setting out proposals to close Little Marlow Church of England School on August 31, 2026 has been published.

The proposal has been brought forward by the Federated Governing Board of Holy Trinity and Little Marlow CE Schools, with the support of the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education and Buckinghamshire Council.

An initial consultation on the school’s future ended on January 22, but no viable options were identified to keep it open.

Describing the step as one taken “with deep regret”, those behind the plans said there was no sustainable alternative.

They cite low current and projected pupil numbers, a surplus of school places locally and an increasing budget deficit which leaders say has made the school financially unviable.

As of February 2026, just five pupils remain at the school, all of whom are in Year 2 and due to leave at the end of the academic year.

Governors state it is therefore “very likely” there would be no children on roll in September 2026 even if the school were to remain open.

Little Marlow is classed by the Department for Education as a rural school, meaning there is a presumption against closure. However, the governing board said it had carefully considered all statutory factors before deciding to proceed.

They also warned of potential safeguarding risks, saying that with pupil numbers expected to fall again next year, further class mergers would be unavoidable. This, they said, could result in significantly reduced staffing levels and make it difficult to maintain essential safeguarding standards.

Another factor highlighted is that only a small proportion of pupils currently attending live within the Little Marlow community itself.

The publication of the statutory notice triggers a four-week representation period, giving parents, residents and staff the opportunity to comment. Submissions must be made by Thursday, March 26, 2026.

After the representation period closes, responses will be reviewed before the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council takes a final decision, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, within two months.

If approved, the closure would take effect on August 31, 2026, with arrangements made for pupils to transfer to other schools.

The school received 15 responses to the initial consultation. Two supported the proposal to close, nine opposed it and four said they did not know.

In a letter, the governing board said: “The potential closure of the school, the impact of that on the village and the disruption to families is deeply regretted, but as no alternative proposals to ensure the future of the school were put forward during the consultation, it is the view of the Governing Board, ODBE and Buckinghamshire Council that the school remains unviable.

“Therefore, the governors have reluctantly decided to issue a Statutory Notice seeking the closure of the School.”

The school site is owned by trustees and no decision has yet been taken about its future use. The proposal notes that a reverter clause in the deeds could mean the land reverts to the heirs of the original donors if the school closes.

Little Marlow School was approached and declined to comment.