School with just 10 pupils set to close

REMAINING STAFF DEMORALISED BY UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE FUTURE

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

Dean Hole C of E Primary School has a "growing financial deficit"

A TINY village school with just 10 pupils and a "draining" financial deficit is set to close.

The second consultation in two years is under way regarding the future of the Dean Hole Church of England Primary School in Caunton.

The last Ofsted inspection of the school in June last year rated the institution as “Good” - the second highest score under the old system - and staff were said to have “given their all” to keep it going.

But Nottinghamshire County Council says it is still dogged by “persistently low pupil numbers and a growing financial deficit projected to continue into future years”.

An initial consultation to explore options for the future took place in late 2025 and responses mainly came down in favour of a closure.