TIME may be running out for an historic North Yorkshire primary school.

Pupil numbers at Richard Thornton’s CofE Primary School, in Burton-in-Lonsdale, near Ingleton, have dropped from 25 to 13 in the last three years, making its future financially unviable, said governors.

The school, which opened in 1854, was funded by millionaire businessman Richard Thornton, who made his money as a trader in the 19th century.

The prediction of a loss in the next financial year has seen its governors announce a consultation on its closure, which could happen by September 2014.

Governors also have fears that the quality of education cannot be preserved as numbers steadily decrease.

Headteacher of 18 years Chris Norris said he was ‘sad’ but added there was a time when the best interests of pupils must be looked at.

“As a rule of thumb 24 pupils is the threshold of financial and educational viability for rural schools,” he said.

“Numbers have been steadily decreasing. It is a bit of a self perpetuating spiral - a few pupils leave and suddenly it becomes a less attractive option for parents.

“I have invested much of my career here so I am sad it could close but the school has been very successful over the years.”

He added that it was too soon to tell if any of the seven staff would lose their jobs.

If it does close pupils may be sent to High Bentham Community Primary School, two miles away.

Shocked parents were sent a letter before half-term, including Mark and Laura Fisher who have two sons at the school, Sam, four, and Charlie, six.

“It’s terribly sad,” said Mr Fisher, 42. “I know lots of parents who have had several generations at the school who are obviously upset. There’s a lot of history and to think it may all go is awful.”

Mrs Fisher, 28, said: “It’s such a shame because it’s a lovely little school where pupils get a fantastic education and basically one-on-one support.”

Sue Yardy, chair of the governors, said: “It is with great sadness and reluctance that we are taking this step.

“However, we are committed to ensuring that all the children in the school do have the best possible opportunities, and we are therefore proceeding with their best interests at heart.”

In its latest Ofsted report in 2010 the school was judged to be ‘good’, the second highest rating available from the education watchdog.

Shortly after, the school had its Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools which judged the school to be good with some outstanding elements.

Burton-in-Lonsdale Parish Council is drafting a response to the consultation and its clerk, Susan Gregory, said the council has ‘concerns over what effect the closure could have on the village’.

A meeting will be held at the school on Monday, November 25 at 7pm. The closing date for responses to the consultation is December 13. A final decision is expected in March.