Consultation on the proposal to close Twineham CE (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School

Overview

West Sussex County Council is proposing the closure of Twineham CE (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School, Twineham, Haywards Heath, because the school has a low number of pupils attending the school.

As of January 2025 when the last full school census was completed Twineham CE (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School had 46 pupils on roll against a capacity of 105. There were 59 (56%) surplus places. This has dropped further at the start of the academic year 2025 with less than 26 pupils on roll. This is the lowest total number of pupils of any primary school in the County.

Table showing the census return for Twineham CE (Voluntary Controlled) Primary in January 2025

Schools are funded by the government on a formula basis. The number of pupils attending a school drives the level of funding received. This means that schools with unfilled places are under increased financial pressure and, over time, are less able to function efficiently.

West Sussex County Council has a duty to ensure that schools are full or nearly full so that they can cope with ongoing financial pressures.

Twineham CE (Voluntary Controlled) Primary is currently operating with a deficit budget. The school’s budget forecast for 2025 to 2026 is -£227,671 and the school is currently unable to forecast reaching a balanced budget position in the longer term.

Where will pupils transfer to if the school were to close?

The nearest schools to Twineham Village are Albourne CE Primary, Bolney CE Primary and St Lawrence CE Primary Academy in Hurstpierpoint. It's known that the majority of pupils live outside the catchment of Twineham and some pupils may opt for schools nearer their home such as in Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath. The Admissions Team will support parents with transition arrangements to nearby local schools that have spaces, taking into consideration any issues and concerns raised by families. Details can be found at Moving school - West Sussex County Council (opens in new window)

Respond to the consultation

Closing a primary requires public consultation. It is a two stage process, initially taking place over a four week period from 18 September 2025 to 16 October 2025. At the end of this period, and following analysis of the comments received, and review by the Children and Young People Services Scrutiny Committee, the Cabinet Member for Young People and Learning will take a decision on whether to publish statutory notices for a further four week representation period in January 2026.

We welcome your views. Please submit an online response about the proposed closure on the survey form below.

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