Falling pupil rolls threaten future of Hungerford schools, headteachers warn

FALLING pupil numbers could threaten the excellence of Hungerford schools, headteachers have warned.

And redundancies could be on the horizon.

David Mayer, headteacher at Hungerford Primary School - rated 'good' by Ofsted - and Suzanne Taylor, head of Hungerford Nursery School - Ofsted rated 'excellent' - sounded the alarm in a presentation to Hungerford Town Council.

Each spoke with passion and pride at the many achievements of their respective staff and pupils.

But Mr Mayer said: "The biggest issue we're facing, we can't do anything about: declining numbers on the roll.

"People are moving away and there's a decreasing number of children at that age level coming into the town."

That leads to a significant cut in funding and the situation is expected to get worse, the meeting heard.

Mr Mayer said: "It could mean redundancies for teaching assistants and teachers because we'll have to reduce class sizes."

He said the ageing population in the town was twice that of the general demographic across West Berkshire and added: "There are no houses for young people to move in to; most of the new homes are bigger, for more established people."

The crisis will have a knock-on effect at John O'Gaunt School, warned Mr Mayer.

Mrs Taylor told the meeting: "We're quite concerned...it's a really difficult position.

"And we get no funding for free school meals - we have to provide them from our own, private fund.

"That's perhaps something that can't continue and we know the difference a hot meal can make to children.

"And our staff are great and we don't want to have to lose any of them."

Many families are choosing Wiltshire schools because there is no sixth form provision in Hungerford, she warned.

Town mayor Helen Simpson praised the dedication of staff at the schools and assured both headteachers: "There's no one around this table that isn't concerned about provision of housing for young families.

"There's a need for smaller, starter homes for young families.

"We hear you, believe me."