Doncaster primary school will not reopen in September the government has confirmed

Hillside Primary School in Denaby Main has closed permanently

The government has given notice that a Doncaster primary school will not reopen its doors for the new academic year in September.

The Secretary of State has given permission to Astrea Academy to close Hillside Primary in Denaby Main with immediate effect from August 31, 2021.

The 125 year lease on the grounds will cease and the buildings and land will return to Doncaster Council.

The decision earlier in the year to close the school sparked a backlash from parents and union GMB who said it was wrong to close the site during a pandemic.

The union added the move would put three teaching posts and 10 support staff roles at risk. It’s unclear if those staff members have been moved elsewhere within the trust.

Astrea Academy bosses said falling pupil numbers meant the school was ‘less than half full’ and that nearby schools had capacity to take on affected pupils.

It was agreed with the council that all pupils would be guaranteed a place at one of the trust’s other schools in the area, either at Castle Academy or at Denaby Main Academy.