St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Closure

It is with great sadness that we update you on the future of St Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, Cleethorpes. 

After a period of discussion between the Department for Education (DfE), Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust (OLoL CMAT) and the Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service (NRCDES), the Minister of State for Schools, Georgina Gould, has approved a substantive decision to formally close St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School on 31 July 2026. This decision has been approved in line with the Department for Education’s Closure of an academy by mutual agreement.

The decision to close has not been taken lightly. We recognise how difficult and distressing this news will be for pupils, families, staff and the wider parish community and we remain committed to supporting every child and family with care, transparency and compassion

This webpage explains why closure is happening, what the process looks like and how you and your child will be supported at every stage.

Why is the school closing?

The decision follows national guideline:

Department for Education (Closure of an academy by mutual agreement)

Schools may be considered for closure when pupil numbers fall well below capacity and there is no realistic prospect of recovery, making the school financially and educationally unsustainable.

We are currently planning for the school to close on 31 July 2026, at the end of this academic year.

The Trust will continue to work closely with the DfE and the Local Authority (LA) to ensure that pupils’ welfare and education remain at the heart of every decision.

Falling pupil numbers at St Joseph’s

With only 56 pupils on roll, significantly below its capacity of 210 places, the school is operating at 27% of its capacity. This creates major challenges in:

• Funding essential staffing
• Providing specialist provision and SEND support
• Maintaining a broad and balanced curriculum
• Structuring classes to support progression and social development
• Offering enrichment opportunities and age‑appropriate peer groups

Despite the exceptional efforts of staff, the continued decline is now directly affecting pupils’ educational experience.

Pupil numbers have fallen significantly over several years:

• 2021–22: 163 pupils
• 2022–23: 139 pupils
• 2023–24: 112 pupils
• September 2024: 90 pupils
• September 2025: 59 pupils
• March 2026: 56 pupils

A full breakdown by year group and Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)/Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) category can be provided on request.

Educational impact of falling numbers

This significant decline has made it increasingly difficult to provide the full and rich educational experience that children deserve. Smaller year groups and limited peer interaction affect both learning and social development, despite the hard work and commitment of staff.

Financial viability

Because school funding is directly linked to pupil numbers, the drop in pupil numbers has also created substantial financial pressures. The school can no longer sustain the staffing, resources, and facilities needed to operate effectively. This limits our ability to maintain a broad curriculum, invest in improvements, and plan confidently for the future. 

Why are numbers so low?

Local challenges reflect a wider national trend of declining birth rates. Factors include:

• Economic pressures affecting family decisions
• Changing lifestyles, with more families choosing to have fewer children
• Housing costs, making the area less accessible to young families

Additionally, there is sufficient capacity in other local schools, providing families with alternative choices.

What does Government guidance say?

The Department for Education (DfE) states that closure may be appropriate where:

• Pupil numbers are very low and unlikely to recover.

• There are enough places in nearby schools.

• Continuing to operate compromises educational quality or financial viability.

Academy Trusts must show that all other options (such as reducing admission numbers, merging with another school or reconfiguring the site) have been explored.

What stage are we at now?

Following detailed discussions between the Trust and the Department for Education (DfE), the Secretary of State for Education has issued a substantive decision to close the school.

We are now entering a formal ‘Listening Period’. This is an opportunity for the OLoL CMAT to share with you the rationale for closing and plans to support the transition of pupils to schools in the local area. It is designed to ensure that everyone affected by the proposal can share their views, ask questions and suggest alternatives. 

There will also be an opportunity for you to share your views on the closure with us. However, this will not affect the decision made by the Minister of State for Schools.

How to participate in the Listening Period:  

We will hold two parents’ meetings on 12 March 2026 at which OLoL CMAT staff and Local Authority Admissions representatives will be present to support the transition process to a new school.

• Thursday 12 March at 9am
• Thursday 12 March at 4pm

You can also contact the Local Authority directly:

School Admissions Team
New Oxford House, George Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 1HB
Email: schooladmissions@nelincs.gov.uk
Telephone: 01472 326291 

Please complete the Trust’s survey here or submit additional written feedback via email.

We understand that this is a very difficult situation and not one that anyone would choose.

The closure will inevitably affect staff with some roles potentially being redeployed within our Trust where possible. Throughout the closure process, the Trust will provide guidance, explore redeployment opportunities and offer wellbeing support to help staff through the transition.

4. Pupil records and school property

Local capacity and alternatives

Travel considerations

Estimated walking times, car costs and bus fare summaries have been included to support families in assessing alternatives. These include:

• Costs per one‑way and return journeys
• Weekly and annual estimates
• SEND‑specific and EHCP‑specific travel modelling
• Local bus operator ticketing options (including dayrider group tickets)

A full table of distance and travel cost estimates is available on request from the school office.

Equality Impact Assessment

A full Equality Impact Assessment has been carried out, considering the effect on pupils, families, and staff across multiple protected characteristics. Key mitigations include:

• Translation support for families with English as an additional language.
• SEND‑specific transition planning.
• Collaboration with the LA for children in care or those requiring EHCP placement.
• Travel considerations for pregnant parents or those with mobility issues

Survey opens: Tuesday 3 March 2026

Deadline for survey responses: Tuesday 31 March 2026

School closure date: 31 July 2026