Millfields Church of England Primary School in Eastham could be shut down after a report highlighted severe financial and operational challenges. Councillors have been advised to begin a consultation process on the closure of the school.
A report, published today and set to be considered by Wirral Council's Children Young People and Education Committee next week, found that there are only 21 pupils currently on the roll, with a “total capacity of over 210.”
Leadership and financial challenges
The report states: “Significant challenges remain in securing and maintaining a stable and sustainable leadership and staffing structure capable of delivering consistently high-quality education. The substantive Headteacher is no longer in post.
“The school is currently led by an Acting Head of School, supported by an experienced Executive Headteacher from a neighbouring school.”
Financially, the school is operating at a deficit of £608,299 as of March 2026, with a forecast for 2026/27 of £198,472. The report adds: “The Council has previously provided additional support to the school, including funding temporary teaching resource up to July 2026. However, this level of support is not sustainable on an ongoing basis.”
Based on current projections, the school's financial position is not sustainable within any reasonable planning horizon, with a forecast deficit projected of £2,449,537 by 2030/31.
Alternatives considered
The report considered other options before recommending the closure process, including potential academisation. It was considered if the school could carry on as a standalone, but the report found, “No credible or deliverable strategy has been identified that would secure a sufficient increase in pupil numbers within a realistic timeframe.”
The findings will be discussed by the Children, Young People and Education Committee on Wednesday, October 14. The leadership of the school has changed in recent months, as an interim executive board took over the governance of the school in March.
Parents informed
In a letter to parents, the school wrote: “At this stage, councillors are being asked only whether a formal consultation should begin. No decision has been made to close Millfields CE Primary School.
“We understand that this further update may be upsetting and will raise questions for families. For the foreseeable future, children should continue to attend school as normal and there are no immediate changes to day-to-day arrangements.
“The education and wellbeing of pupils remain our first priority, and we are committed to supporting pupils, families and staff throughout this process.”
Ofsted report
The Eastham school was given the lowest rating possible in five of the six categories rated by Ofsted in a report released earlier this month. The inspection took place in June.
In a joint statement, the school, Wirral Council and the Diocese stressed that the Ofsted report was separate to the committee report: “We recognise that the coincidence of the publication of the Ofsted outcome with the committee report will be difficult for pupils, families and staff.
“We want to thank pupils, parents and carers, staff and school leaders for the commitment, care and resilience they continue to show.
“The two reports need to be seen as separate. The committee report is not a result of the Ofsted outcome; it follows a wider review of the school's educational, financial and organisational sustainability.
“No decision has been made as to the school’s future, but the recommendation is that councillors consider beginning a formal consultation on the potential closure of Millfields CE Primary School.
“The education and wellbeing of pupils remains our shared priority. Pupils will continue to attend school as normal, and we will work together to support pupils, families and staff, whatever the outcome of the committee process.
“If consultation is approved, everyone affected will have the opportunity to understand the evidence, ask questions and make their views known before any further decision is taken.”
Ofsted findings
The Ofsted report highlighted multiple problems for pupils and recommended that the school be placed into special measures. The watchdog reported that “Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) or who are disadvantaged, do not benefit from a suitable, well-taught curriculum that helps them to learn.
“Currently, staff do not have high enough expectations of what pupils can do and achieve. Pupils struggle to focus on their learning because the curriculum is not well taught.
“Pupils have not achieved well, over time, and this continues to be the case. Interim leaders have not had sufficient time to bring about necessary improvements.”
The Ofsted report did note that the board has found “some” areas of improvement. However, the watchdog stated that “leaders have not ensured that pupils receive an adequate education that prepares them well for their future lives.
“Sometimes, decisions are made that are not in the best interests of pupils. Over time, leaders’ actions, for example, to improve the curriculum and pupils’ achievement have not been rapid enough.”
In a statement regarding the Ofsted outcome, the school said: “We recognise that the Ofsted outcome will be disappointing for pupils, families, staff and the wider school community.
“While the report identifies areas where improvement is needed, it also recognises strengths within the school, including that safeguarding standards are met, and pupils are safe and well cared for.
“We would like to thank pupils, parents, carers and staff for their continued commitment and resilience. Since the inspection, school leaders and the Interim Executive Board have already been taking action to address the issues identified.
“The local authority, the school and the Diocese remain committed to supporting the school as it continues its improvement journey, with the wellbeing, safety and education of pupils remaining our shared priority.”
