ACE Centre Nursery School closure consultation
Statutory consultation into the closure of
The ACE Centre Nursery School, Chipping Norton
12 January – 9 February 2026
About this consultation
Oxfordshire County Council, working with the Governing Body of The ACE Centre Nursery School, proposes to formally close the nursery school.
The Ace Centre Nursery School is located on the Burford Road in the centre of Chipping Norton and is one of 7 maintained nursery schools across Oxfordshire.
It is a freestanding 39 full-time equivalent place nursery providing school hours term time only provision for 3–5-year-olds and admits 2 years-olds under s27 Governor powers.
This proposal follows significant challenges faced by the nursery including a sustained and substantial reduction in pupil numbers, which has affected its financial and educational viability. Oxfordshire County Council is committed to ensuring that alternative early years’ provision remains available locally to minimise any impact on families and the wider community.
It is proposed to formally close The ACE Centre Nursery School at the end of the 2025/2026 school year on 31st August 2026. There have been significant changes in leadership over the past four years with a new Headteacher and Governing body. The Headteacher resigned during the Autumn term of 2025 and left on 31st December. There are also concerns about future viability and pupil numbers, which are explained in the attached linked document.
How to get involved
The full details of this proposal are included in the statutory consultation document.
You can respond to this consultation by:
Completing the online survey by clicking the 'TAKE SURVEY' button below.
Emailing school.planning@oxfordshire.gov.uk (please quote ‘Ace Nursery Closure’ in the header)
Handing in a written response at the reception office of The Ace Centre Nursery School, Burford Road, Chipping Norton
Posting a written response to School Organisation & Planning, Oxfordshire County Council, 4th Floor County Hall, Oxford OX1 1ND, marking your envelope ACE Nursery Closure
This consultation closes at midnight on 9th February 2026.
