Weasenham and Brisley school merger decision expected

The decision over the potential merger of two primary schools in the Fakenham area run by the Diocese of Norwich Education Academy Trust (DNEAT) from January 1 next year is expected to come in November.

It involves Weasenham Primary Academy with Brisley Primary Academy

Back in September, the trust opened a public consultation over the idea until October 6, and then DNEAT used the findings to inform its full business case to the secretary of state of education.

Oliver Burwood, chief executive officer of DNEAT, said: “The Department for Education Advisory Board met on October 19, and it has requested that a final decision about merging Weasenham CofE Primary Academy with Brisley CofE Primary Academy will be taken by a minister, which is not unusual.

Oliver Burwood, CEO of DNEAT (Image: DNEAT)

“We have been told to expect a final decision from the government in approximately one month.”

In a document outlining the proposed merger, it stated that Brisley takes on pupils aged between four-11, which is the age range for the proposed school merger. 

Brisley has a capacity of 105 pupils with currently 69 pupils on roll.

Weasenham has 28 pupils on roll, bringing the total number of pupils affected by the potential merger to 97.

Weasenham Church of England Primary Academy (Image: Google Maps)

DNEAT's document on the proposed closure added: "Children would be better served attending another larger local school, preferably within the trust at Brisley Primary Academy, which has space to accommodate all of the displaced pupils between the ages of 4-11 and would retain its good Ofsted rating.”

It also outlined support it would provide children, such as free transport and vouchers for families.

If Weasenham Primary Academy were to merge, all buildings and land comprising the Weasenham site would return to its original ownership, either Norfolk County Council or the Diocese of Norwich.

Brisley CofE Primary Academy (Image: Newsquest)