It is the beginning of the end for St Martin-in-Meneage Primary School after directors announced they are to continue with plans to close it.

Following a meeting of the board last night, it was agreed to seek permission from the Department for Education to shut the school "at the earliest practical opportunity."

In a letter to parents sent out this afternoon, directors of the Keskowethyan's Multi-Academy Trust, which oversees the running of the school along with four others on the Lizard Peninsula, said that in view of the close proximity of the summer holidays and "with due regard for the position of parents," the school would reopen on September 4 for the start of the new school year, and that the organisation of staffing arrangements was underway.

In a separate statement, they added that once the request had been made to the DfE it was in the hands of that body, meaning it was not possible to give a detailed timeline for the closure.

Chair of the board Pam Miller said: "We understand that this will be a difficult time for parents and pupils, members of the St Martin community and those in our wider, Keskowethyans family. However, the board was clear that despite having read and deliberated on the many and detailed submissions that came in as a result of the public consultation, this was the right course of action.

“The number of children at the school paints a clear picture – the numbers on roll have been a concern for some time and since 2014/15 have shown a consistently downward trend. There are only ten pupils due to attend the school from September, with only one, single child in key stage one and absolutely no reception intake."

She added that Cornwall Council information on the demographics of the area did "not demonstrate that any significant improvement can be expected."

Mrs Miller continued: "Pupil numbers have fluctuated in the past, but never to this level without any tangible prospect for improvement in the foreseeable future.

"We are very keen to stress that our primary concern is and has always been the education of our children. Our vision is that every child is entitled to a broad, dynamic and meaningful curriculum. But this is not achievable with such low numbers. Very small cohorts seriously limit the educational experience of the children, restricting the creative and social interactions which are essential if children are to thrive.

"And while money has always been a secondary consideration compared to ensuring our children receive an excellent education, the board must also remain mindful of its responsibility with regard to the future financial viability of all its schools and the trust overall."

She advised any parents with specific concerns over their child's education at the school to contact the acting headteacher.

Two weeks ago the board deferred its decision on the closure, saying due to the volume of responses received during a public consultation it wanted to give full consideration to each.

"The directors wish to express their thanks to those who contributed to the consultation process," said Mrs Miller.

Minutes from last night's directors meeting about the closure will be published and available for inspection by Friday, July 21.