Wraxall Church of England Primary School in North Somerset is likely to close due to declining numbers from September 2026.

The decision to close the historic village school needs to be confirmed by the Department for Education this March.

Meanwhile a consultation with parents and the wider community is taking place.

The village school has roots dating back to 1801, evolving from a girls’ school into a established institution with buildings dating from the mid-to-late 19th century.

Funded largely by local benefactors like William Gibbs and the Smyth family, it has served the parish for more than 200 years. The building is Grade II listed.

During the past 20 years, the school has been considerably modernised and much money has been spent on improving facilities.

In 1983 the school was re-tiled, in 1993 a new heating system was installed in and 1994, an additional temporary classroom was added.

In January 2002 a major building project was completed.

This provided two new classrooms, additional playground a library/computer suite, a secure play area for the under 5’s and a new administration and entrance area.

Following the generosity of a local landowner, Mr John Winter, a 2500sq.m sports field was leased adjoining the school and a huge effort by the parents association helped to flatten the area.

More recently the CofE school has been operating as a primary academy under the leadership of executive head teacher Catrin Battista as part of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership Multi-Academy Trust.

The trust is made up of is made up of 34 primary schools and four secondary schools across North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) and Bristol.

Friends of Wraxall School Association posted on social media: “Sad news to bring you, LSP have opened a consultation to close our beloved school at the end of this summer term to all but the current year 5 who will finish in July 2027.

“Families are heartbroken at the prospect of our wonderful school closing, but the FWSA are committed to making it a lovely year so we can all make some more wonderful memories together.

“LSP ia hosting a meeting the community can sign-up to attend on Thursday, February 12. at the CTC from 5.30pm.

“Every voice helps! “

To register attendance click HERE.

Former foundation governor Jenna Brown said: “Pupils come all over North Somerset.

“From Backwell, Yatton, Flax, Tickenham, Barrow Gurney, Portishead, Nailsea, Failand, Lower Failand and Abbots Leigh.”

The LSP have opened a consultation on the proposal to close at the end of this year for all years except the current Year 5 who will stay until July 2027.

The year 5-6 class is almost full, but reception - year 4 has only 22 students, but parents have been pushing for LSP to formally promote the school but to no avail.

Jenna added: “It's such a peaceful, friendly, family-like school.

“Many of the parents were children there too.

“The thought of its closure is a personal heartbreak, but also for the loss of the current and future students that they won't have the opportunity to experience their whole primary education in such a special small school.

“My great-grandmother was one of the first girls to attend, and worried my son could be the last.”

Mum Patricia Adams said: “Since the closure of Four Oaks (and village schools at Felton and Failand) Nailsea parents have had very limited choices when it comes to wanting a smaller school environment for their children.

“Wraxall school proved a popular choice.

“Big, noisy classrooms do not suit all children - particularly when they’re open plan, mixed use spaces.

“With increasing numbers of children facing learning barriers smaller schools are essential.

“But the bean counters will do as they please with no common sense whatsoever!”

Former North Somerset councillor Jeremy Blatchford said: “With the house building there will be a need for this school.

“To start from scratch is slow and very costly.”

Fiona Prescott said: “So, so important to keep schools open and available to their local communities.

“Low current birth rates are partially the reason and this will change - 20 years ago there was a boom and a lack of school places.”

Susan Rex said: “With all the houses being built in Nailsea and Backwell, I would have thought the last thing needed is a school closing down?”

Sue Evans said: “This is sad news, me and two  of my three brothers went to the school have lovely memories,  used to walk to school from Nailsea up that little hill,  if it was snowing, we would dry our clothes on the big range in the classroom…loved going across to the church “

John F Lunn said: “One day people might start to join the dots between blocking new housing and this!”

But Caroline Jones said: “The upkeep of such old buildings is probably more than a large modern school.

“And there will be economies of scale in that classes can be larger, with less staff in a larger modern school.”

Based on typical planning ratios for new housing developments, with 3,728 new homes on the horizon for Nailsea and Backwell this is estimated to generate approximately 1,416 school-aged children.

The UK Government’s standard school yield metrics provide the following breakdown for every 100 homes:

• Primary school pupils: 25 children per 100 homes (approx. 932 total).

• Secondary school pupils:  13 children per 100 homes (approx. 484 total). 

This specific figure (3,728) is currently a point of discussion in the North Somerset Local Plan, where residents and town councils have expressed concerns about the impact on local infrastructure.

Key concerns include: 

• School Capacity: Whether existing schools can absorb over 1,400 new students without significant investment.

• Healthcare: Added pressure on GP surgeries and emergency services.

• Congestion: An estimated increase of several thousand vehicles in local towns.