A rural county school with just 26 pupils is to close.

The low pupil numbers means that Minsterworth Church of England Primary School is no longer financially viable.

Following a period of consultation and a statutory notice being approved, the school will formally close on 31st December.

The county council's admissions team has worked with parents of children at Minsterworth to help them find places at other schools. The governors are satisfied that all pupils have now secured places.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, cabinet member for economy, skills and growth said: "We are satisfied that the board's request to close the school is the right decision, following a thorough review and period of consultation.

"Closing a school is about more than just bricks and mortar; this is a decision we have not taken lightly, giving every consideration to the potential impact on the pupils and the community.

"In this case, it would not have been financially possible for Minsterworth to stay open, and so it became a priority for us to support the few remaining pupils in finding alternative school places."

The Diocese of Gloucester has not yet made a decision about the future of the site, but measures are in place to keep the premises secure after the school closes.

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