A primary that expects to admit only one pupil in September is set to close as the local council tries to reduce surplus places. Around 43 per cent of desks at Northview Primary are empty, a figure that will rise to 64 per cent by 2013. The school’s headteacher is also off sick.

Swindon Borough Council thinks the best way to reduce surplus places in the Highworth area, where Northview is located, is to enlarge nearby Westrop Primary by 105 places. Consultations will start in the autumn for changes to be made in September 2010.

The total number of surplus places in Highworth schools stands at 14 per cent and will rise to 25 per cent by 2013. The four schools in the area have a total of 813 places, but just 560 will be filled in four years’ time.

Council officers have met teachers and governors to discuss the issue. The council says it will try to redeploy staff to other schools if Northview closes. KM.