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A primary school in Eastham could close after pupil numbers fell to just 21, with councillors being asked to approve a public consultation on the school's future.
As reported by the Wirral Globe, a report was published before a Children, Young People and Education Committee meeting on 14 October recommended a 12-week consultation on closing Millfields Church of England Primary School. Council officers say closure is now the "most responsible, sustainable and deliverable course of action".
The school apparently has space for more than 210 pupils, with just 21 now being enrolled. Reportedly, only three pupils started Reception in September and the nursery has been unable to operate because of low numbers.
Millfields has been operating three mixed-age classes, with four pupils in a class covering Reception to Year 2, seven pupils in a Year 3 to Year 5 class, and 10 pupils in Year 6.
Council officers have said that other options have been explored, such as joining up with another school.
Council officers say all other options have been explored, including federation with another school, becoming an academy, merging with another school, and trying to regain its reputation independently.
However, the report states that no credible plan has been identified that could attract enough pupils to make the school sustainable in the long term.
The School's finances are also not up to par. It had a deficit of more than £608,000 at the end of March 2026 and is expected to end this financial year with a deficit of more than £806,000. If the situation does not improve, the deficit could reach almost £2.45 million by 2030/31.
At a recent Ofsted inspection, Milllfields was rated as "requires improvement". Another inspection in June suggested the school be placed into special measures, which it has been. Inspectors observed the school was "failing to provide pupils with an acceptable standard of education". Wirral Council has stressed that the committee report and the Ofsted report need to be seen as separate documents.
The school also has challenges with current staffing and leadership, as the headteacher is no longer the role and the school is being led by an acting head.
The recommendation, if approved, could see parents, staff, and governors give their opinion on what to do with the school. The Diocese of Chester, which is the Church of England's administrative branch, will also have a say. A closure would need to be put through a formal process, with councillors taking action on this at another time.
Wirral Council, Millfields CE Primary School and Diocese of Chester said in a joint statement: "We recognise that the coincidence of the publication of the Ofsted outcome with the report going to council committee next week will be difficult for pupils, families and staff. We want to thank pupils, parents and carers, staff and school leaders for the commitment, care and resilience they continue to show.
"The two reports need to be seen as separate. The committee report is not a result of the Ofsted outcome, it follows a wider review of the school's educational, financial and organisational sustainability.
They also stressed that no decision has been made on the school's future, but a formal consultation is recommended.
The statement also mentions that all parties agree the "education and wellbeing of pupils remain our shared priority."
Pupils will continue to attend school as scheduled, until a decision is made on if a consultation will go ahead.
If the consultation is approved, everyone involved will have the evidence explained to them before a decision on the school's fate is made.
