A VILLAGE primary school is no longer at risk of closing after it increased the number of pupils on its roll.

Last December, St Weonards Primary School had 20 pupils on its roll which meant it was unable to set a budget which would enable the school to function effectively.

Herefordshire Council was asked to start a consultation on the future of the school.

But thanks to more pupils signing up go to the school and the introduction of flexi-schooling it has been announced that the school in the south of the county will not close.

Chief executive of Herefordshire Marches Federation of Academies (of which the school is an associate member) Peter Box said: “We are delighted that the uncertainty about the future of this outstanding school is over.

"St Weonards will now go from strength to strength as parents can be confident that the school is here to stay."

Following the announcement of the uncertain future of the school, it was revealed that the November Ofsted inspection gave the school the top rating of Outstanding.

This led to the launch of flexi-schooling at the school, which means that children are registered at the school in the usual way but attend school only part time. The rest of the time the child is home educated.

This has seen numbers at St Weonards increase from 19 in January this year to 28 this month - of the nine additional pupils, five are flexi-schooled.

Mr Box added: "One of the key findings in the Ofsted inspection was how well the school caters for each child as an individual. Feedback from flexi-schooling parents confirms that this is very much the case."

St Weonards is already an associate member of the Herefordshire Marches Federation and is seeking full membership of the Academy Trust, which means it will become an academy.

A Herefordshire Council spokeswoman said: "St Weonards Primary School has the smallest number of registered pupils of any school within the county, which was affecting its ability to set a balanced budget for the coming years, which is needed to ensure its future sustainability.

"We’re pleased to confirm that the school has been able to increase its pupil numbers, which has enabled it to set a balanced budget.

"Therefore, the school is not currently at risk of closure."

Any parents who are interested in flexi-schooling or are considering a full time place, should contact the school to arrange a visit.