Lambeth Council’s Cabinet has agreed a proposal to amalgamate four primary schools to “tackle the huge challenge caused by a big fall in the number of pupils enrolling each year.”
The Cabinet also agreed to close two other schools to address the issue, unless a viable merger proposal could be brought forward by the schools.
There are 1,000 less children starting at Lambeth primary schools than 10-years ago, which the council says means empty classrooms.
As school funding is distributed on a per-pupil basis many schools in Lambeth face having to spend more than they receive in funding as a result, resulting in significant budget deficits.
Councillor Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said: “This has been an incredibly tough decision for the council and for our much-valued school communities, but one we must take to protect the high quality of primary schools in Lambeth.
“We have heard from passionate parents, carers and educators throughout this process. At our Cabinet meeting this week we adopted the recommendations that were amended as much as possible to reflect this feedback.
“We will support our school communities through this process and work with our schools to ensure that they remain strong and sustainable and that children at Lambeth’s schools reach their full potential. The decision to amalgamate and or close schools has been really difficult decision, but it is the only way we can make sure every child in Lambeth continues to get a good primary school education.”
Lambeth Council has written to the new government calling for reform of the unfair National Funding Formula which is based on pupil numbers rather than community needs.
95% of Lambeth’s primary schools are rated Good or Outstanding, and the council is working to maintain this level of education.
The council will now start working with those school communities affected as to the next steps, and continue analysing the numbers of pupils starting at local primary schools to see if further action is needed.
The recommendations agreed by the council’s Cabinet are as follows:
To approve closure of Fenstaton Primary School and Holy Trinity CofE Primary School, with modifications, subject to certain conditions being met. Those modifications and conditions being a viable alternative proposal to amalgamate Fenstaton Primary School with Holy Trinity CofE Primary School proposed by both schools within the agreed timeframe and criteria.
To approve the amalgamation of Christ Church Primary SW9 with St John the Divine CofE Primary School by closing St John the Divine CofE Primary School and site and merging into Christ Church Primary SW9.
To approve the amalgamation Glenbrook Primary School with Kings Avenue Primary School by closing Kings Avenue Primary School and site and merging into Glenbrook Primary School on its site (with modifications).
