A BORDERS primary school has closed after its pupil roll fell to zero.

Just five years ago Hobkirk Primary, near Bonchester Bridge, was a vibrant rural school with 39 pupils.

But this week the local authority agreed to mothball the facility after parents of last remaining seven pupils filed placement requests for nearby Denholm Primary.

Scottish Borders Council's services director Donna Manson said: "As a result of discussions, all families from Hobkirk Primary School made placing requests to Denholm Primary School and these were granted under delegated authority."

From its height of 39 pupils at the start of 2010, the roll at the school and nursery has gradually dropped.

Education chiefs were forced to close the nursery during the summer of 2013 due to a lack of numbers.

Last summer seven pupils left for Hawick High School and none were enrolled into primary one - leaving just 21 pupils at the school.

Placing requests for other schools further decimated the Hobkirk roll - leaving just one composite class of seven pupils in August.

Yesterday's (Tuesday) Executive meeting at Newtown St Boswells agreed to mothball the school for 12 months.

And they will hold a review next October before making any final decisions about its future - although there are currently no children in the catchment area due to enrol for primary one.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “A report which recommends mothballing Hobkirk Primary School for a temporary period has been approved by Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Committee.

“The report detailed that the school roll has declined in recent years and now stands at zero.

“Executive were advised that arrangements for accommodating the pupils within Denholm Primary have been made, including transport and staffing, with the report stating that educational and social benefits are expected to be achieved through the process.”

Hobkirk headteacher Morag McCreadie was already head of Denholm Primary in a joint-role.

The majority of the school's two teachers as well as its cook/cleaner and part-time support staff have been redeployed.