As part of the latest efforts to maintain the high standard of primary school education, Lambeth Council has confirmed the decision to close two schools made in November 2024 will go ahead, despite extended efforts to find a way to keep them open.
Primary schools are funded per pupil under Government arrangements. Fewer pupils means less money for schools. That means less teachers, less teaching resources, affecting the quality of education, and the risk of schools building up big debts.
Lambeth Council has written to the government to highlight the issue, and continues to lobby MPs calling for change.
There have been significant changes to London’s population in recent years, particularly inner London areas. Brexit and the cost of living crisis have contributed significantly, and the pandemic has led families to move away from central London.
The council has been engaging with schools on how to manage this challenge over a number of years, using a data-led approach focusing on reducing Published Admission Numbers (the number of places in schools).
That work has included examining how possible amalgamations and closures could help ensure that schools do not fall further into deficit, and that the number of school places across Lambeth is evenly maintained.
Following that analysis and engagement work, in November Lambeth Council agreed to a series of closures and amalgamations to tackle the issue, including the closures of Fenstanton Primary School and Holy Trinity CofE Primary School.
At the meeting on November 4 last year the Cabinet also agreed to allow time for both Fenstanton Primary School and Holy Trinity CofE Primary School’s to put forward an alternative, viable proposal for consideration as part of the Cabinet closure decision.
That proposal, put forward by school governors, has now been assessed over an extended period and found to be unviable, due to low parental preference and low pupil numbers, and determined that it would not put the school on a financial footing that would safeguard pupil’s education.
Cllr Ben Kind, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “We know how upsetting and difficult school changes can be – for pupils, parents, staff and the wider community. No one wants to see a school close, and these decisions are never taken lightly.
“But we have to face the reality of what’s happening with honesty and fairness to all school communities in Lambeth.
“Over the last decade, Lambeth’s schools have lost more than £40 million in funding. The school funding system, introduced by the coalition government, means money is based on how many pupils are in each school, not what a school or community actually needs.
“That’s deeply unfair – especially for boroughs like Lambeth.
“Since 2022, we’ve done everything we can to avoid closures – closely monitoring the data, reducing admission numbers and helping schools work together. We’ve also looked carefully at every proposal and alternative put forward, working with our communities as we find the best way to deal with this crisis – including whether there was a workable alternative for these two schools.
“But with fewer children starting school each year and birth rates continuing to decline, the situation has become more urgent. When schools are under-filled, they get less funding, and can’t afford to keep the same teachers, support staff or facilities. That puts their future at risk.
“The majority of our community schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, and we are determined to make sure we protect the standard of education in Lambeth, so that every child gets the best possible start. We’ll keep working with families, schools and the wider community to make the changes we need in the fairest way we can.”
Where closures are needed the council is looking at using the buildings for educational related uses, including for special educational needs (SEN) schools. There is high demand in Lambeth SEN places, meaning there are enough pupils, and therefore funding, to meet this need.
To read decision report visit moderngov.lambeth.gov.uk. The report is published today with the decision coming in effect on June 2.
