On Monday 9 November 2026, Cabinet Members will review the need for small schools to have long-term sustainability to continue providing the best possible education. Councillors will be asked to approve the Calderdale Small Schools Strategy 2026-2030, which aims to help smaller schools remain strong and sustainable. This strategy was developed in partnership with headteachers, Multi Academy Trusts, the Anglican and Catholic Diocese, school governors, and education unions.
The Council is committed to supporting schools in working together to meet the needs of children, families, and communities. A toolkit has been developed to guide schools on finance, leadership, recruitment, and improvement. The strategy focuses on how schools can share resources and expertise to plan for the future, ensuring children can access high-quality education close to home, particularly in rural communities where pupil numbers and financial pressures can be greater.
Additionally, at the Cabinet meeting, councillors will be asked to approve the commencement of a public consultation on the proposed closure of Colden Junior and Infant School. The school, located in a small rural community above Hebden Bridge, faces closure due to continued falling pupil numbers making it unsustainable. Currently, there are 35 children in the school, and no pupils joined the reception class in September 2026. If the current Year Six pupils leave next summer, the school could have around 20 children and two year groups with no pupils. The school has already reduced its classes from three to two.
Despite the school's efforts to manage its budget, declining numbers are creating significant financial pressure and reducing available funding. There is also an urgent need for costly maintenance work on the building. These challenges are impacting staff recruitment and retention, as well as the ability to offer a varied curriculum and an optimal learning environment.
“"We want all young people in Calderdale to do as well as they can at school, with a good quality education and a learning environment that helps them thrive and succeed. Smaller schools can face extra challenges, so it’s important that they work together, and with the Council, to share ideas and find solutions, especially as population changes are reducing pupil numbers. The Calderdale Small Schools Strategy is about helping them to do this. Unfortunately, despite the great work that schools do, there can be times when it’s not viable to keep them open. Closing a school is never something we would do lightly, but good quality education for children and value for money are the priority."
As part of the consultation, there will be an opportunity for public input before any decisions are made. Nearby schools have sufficient spaces for Colden pupils, and support would be provided to children, families, and staff if the closure proceeds. The reports will be discussed at Calderdale Council's Cabinet meeting on Monday 9 November at Halifax Town Hall from 4pm, and will also be streamed online.
