Councilor Annabel Wilkinson said the council “values ​​our rural schools and understands their importance in the close-knit communities of North Yorkshire”.

A report prior to the meeting said officers had discussed plans to divide the Hackforth and Hornby catchment area between five nearby schools.

Four were also Church of England schools in Crakehall, Aiskew Leeming Bar, Kirkby Fleetham and Catterick, and the fifth would be Hunton and Arrathorne Community Primary.

The council’s executive will consider the consultation feedback in January 2025.