Today, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet agreed to close Morton Park Primary School with effect from the end of the summer term 2006.
More than 70% of people who responded to the recent consultation exercise accepted that, in all the circumstances, it is not viable for the school to continue with around 90% also opposed to amalgamation.
County councillor Philip Chappelhow, cabinet spokesman for children's services said:
"The results of the consultation exercise helped me to clarify what recommendation should be made. Nobody likes to see schools close, but I am sure that this is the best way forward for the future.
I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation exercise. Although the subject is an emotive one it has been clear over the last few weeks that everyone involved has had the best interests of the youngsters at heart."
All of the current Morton Park pupils (other than Year 6) will be able to have a place at the appropriate Newlaithes School from the beginning of the Autumn Term 2006, if that is what their parents want. These arrangements will be supported by the county council in terms of temporary accommodation on the Newlaithes sites and enhanced funding for a short period of time. They are intended to give Morton Park pupils as much continuity in their education as possible by enabling them to transfer together to the same schools.
The council will now publish a statutory proposal to close the school. The final decision will be taken either by the School Organisation Committee in March next year or by the Schools Adjudicator two or three months later.