A SCHOOL with the smallest number of pupils in the county is facing an uncertain future.

St Weonards Primary School in the south of the county currently has 20 pupils on roll after numbers fell further as a result of some families moving away from the area.

This means that headteacher and governors of the school have been unable to set a budget which would enable the school to function effectively in coming years as a school’s budget is mainly determined by the number on roll.

Herefordshire Council has been asked to consult parents, staff, the local community and neighbouring schools on the future of the school, which could lead to a proposal to close it.

A council spokesman said: "An initial meeting for parents was held on Tuesday, November 28 and further meetings will be held to keep parents informed and to ensure their concerns are heard.

"Following a consultation period one of the options that might commence could be the statutory process to propose the closure of the school.

“St Weonards Primary School, Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Marches Federation of Academies will work with parents to ensure children continue to benefit from a high quality education. If in the event that closure is decided, they will ensure that parents are supported in securing places at alternative schools.”

The school has the capacity for more than 100.

It has been part of the Herefordshire Marches Federation of Academies for three years, which gives the school access to other facilities and also to sporting events.

Headteacher Maggi Newton is also headteacher at Marden Primary Academy.

The last published Ofsted report was in 2013 which rated the school as good. The school has recently been inspected by Ofsted - the published report is not yet available.

A council spokesman said: "Ofsted is a regulatory body which inspects the quality of education in schools, it does not make or affect decisions about school closures."