A primary school has confirmed the "deeply unsettling" news that it could close at the end of this academic year.
St Nicholas C of E School, in St Nicholas Close, Elstree, has written to parents to explain that a meeting of Hertfordshire County Council's Education, SEND and Inclusion Panel and the council's cabinet on November 6 will discuss the potential closure of the school.
In a letter to parents seen by the Watford Observer, headteacher Kate Johnston-Grant wrote: "This is a deeply unsettling time for all of us, and I know that the uncertainty we face will weigh heavily on both staff, families and the wider school community.
"Our school has always been more than a building - it is a community built on teamwork, care, and an unwavering commitment to the education and wellbeing of the children we serve.
"Our school has been part of Elstree since 1814 and was built to serve our community. I am proud of our school, the staff, governors and families and the amazing pupils we have served and continue to serve."
Mrs Johnston-Grant urged parents "not to make rash decisions" and stressed that no decision has been made yet.
Councillors and parents have already launched a campaign to save the school, with Elstree and Borehamwood mayor, councillor Dan Ozarow, writing: "I am deeply disturbed to hear that St Nicholas School is facing the risk of closure.
"As the only state primary school in Elstree Village, if the school is shut down, the children and their families would need to travel as far as Bushey or Borehamwood to go to an alternative."
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The mayor added that he "wholeheartedly backs" the campaign to save the school from closure.
A public meeting will be held at the school on October 29, starting at 7pm.
According to councillor Ozarow, a public consultation is expected to begin shortly.
The county council meeting to discuss the school's future will take place at 10am on November 6. The meeting agenda has not yet been published and will likely be made public around a week in advance.
A Hertfordshire County council spokesperson said: "Pupil numbers at St Nicholas Elstree school have been low over the past few years and it is currently operating at just over a quarter of its capacity, which is in line with a declining birth rate nationally and a significant fall in pupil numbers coming into primary schools across the county.
"Due to the low local demand, the financial constraints this puts on the school, and the challenge of maintaining a good quality of education for pupils, the responsible thing to do is to consider the future of the school and its pupils.
“We have held discussions with the leadership of the school and have met with the parents and carers and teaching staff at the school to outline the challenges. We are now seeking approval from cabinet in November to proceed to public consultation on a proposal to close the school from August 2026."
They added: "The results of the consultation will be reviewed in line with the council’s democratic processes. Should the decision be taken to close the school, following consultation, we will work with local schools, existing staff and parents to ensure that all children have a place at an alternative school to resume their education in September.”
The consultation would run for four weeks from mid-November.
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