Parents said they were “disappointed” that politicians have moved towards closing a primary school hit by high vacancy numbers - but hope an academy will take over.
Pooles Park Primary School in Finsbury Park could shut this December because falling rolls mean it is losing government funding of £5,700 per empty place.
Two pupils were present as Islington Council’s executive last week (June 22) agreed to publish its intention to close the school in Lennox Road because it has a 55% vacancy rate, with just 182 pupils out of a maximum of 405 places.
Cllr Michelline Ngongo, the executive member for children, young people and families, pledged to work with families and find the best school for them.
It follows a five-week consultation and a series of meetings with staff and parents.
More than three quarters of 231 respondents said they were against closure.
Concerned parents of pupils at Pooles Park Primary School, Lennox Rd, Islington. Parent Paul Levy- Adophy holds petition. Photo: Julia Gregory
Parent Catherine Galvin said: “We feel so disappointed and its disheartening. We put in such a hard fought campaign and regardless of our feelings they will just ago ahead.”
Pooles Park is the latest London school threatened with closing because of falling rolls blamed on a combination of Brexit, the housing crisis and cost of living and a drop in the birth rate.
The council will publish notices about the plans on Thursday June 29 and parents and residents have another month to send in their views until July 27. Te council’s executive will then formally consider them.
Pooles Park parents Paul Levy-Adophy, Catherine Galvin, Rubena Begum. Photo: Julia Gregory
Parents told the council how much they valued the pastoral support at the school, its education for children with special educational needs and the community garden, which they say is a boon for pupils.
Unusually for schools slated for closure because of falling rolls it could remain open because an Ofsted inspection said it was inadequate. This meant the government stepped in and invited academies to put in bids to sponsor the school.
The Department of Education’s London advisory board met last week (June 22) to look at potential sponsors – the same day as the council’s executive met to discuss the school’s fate.
Pooles Park school Finsbury Park , pic Catherine Galvin, free for use by partners of BBC news wire service
Ms Galvin said: “We are in limbo now. We are hoping that an academy will be the chance to keeping it open.”
She added: “It would be a terrible shame if it closed. We have had such fantastic ideas for its future.”
It is believed that two academies are interested in sponsoring the school. If the move goes ahead the council would lease the building to a sponsor.
The school hopes to hear back from the Department of Education next week.
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