In a time of declining birth rates and increasing pressures on local primary schools, St. Jude’s and St. Paul’s Primary School (SJSP) in Islington is facing one of the greatest challenges in its 167-year history. With fewer children entering schools across the country, SJSP’s governors have taken decisive action to secure the school’s future for generations to come.

The decision to join an academy group has emerged as the most viable option to protect the school’s legacy and ensure its continued investment in the community. Governors believe that this shift is essential not only for the school’s survival but for maintaining the critical contributions that the Mildmay Trust makes to the local area.

For the small but close-knit school community, nestled on the border between Islington and Hackney, this decision is designed to remove the risk to its future. 


The Mildmay Trust: A lifeline for SJSP

For over 10 years, SJSP’s Mildmay Trust has funded numerous initiatives that have enriched both the school and the wider community. From new playgrounds to art projects, the Trust’s investment has allowed SJSP to offer opportunities that public funding simply can’t cover. The Trust’s impact extends far beyond school walls—it’s an integral part of the Mildmay ward and has helped foster a deep sense of community.

But with smaller enrolment numbers, the school now faces grave challenges . SJSP is the sole beneficiary of the Mildmay Trust, which means that if the school were to wind down, the Trust’s financial contributions would disappear with it, having a devastating effect not just on SJSP but on the community at large.

“Without the Mildmay Trust, we wouldn’t be able to offer many of the programs that make SJSP unique,” said one of the school governors. “If the school falters, the trust’s transformative opportunities for future generations are lost.”

The governors are looking to secure SJSP’s future by joining an academy group—a move they believe will provide the stability the school needs to thrive in a rapidly changing educational landscape.


Navigating a demographic crisis

SJSP is not alone in its struggles. Schools across London and the UK are feeling the impact of declining birth rates, which has led to fewer children entering primary schools. This demographic shift has placed enormous pressure on local schools to compete for students, as funding is often tied to enrolment numbers.

For a better understanding of the challenges faced by Islington schools, here is a table of schools with projected budget deficits by the end of the 2024-25 financial year, highlighting the widespread financial strain in the area:


For SJSP, a small intimate 120-pupil school tucked away along a quiet footbridge just behind the bustling, Kingsland High Street, this issue is particularly urgent. Known to many as a “hidden gem,” SJSP has always relied on word of mouth and its strong community connections to attract new families. But in this competitive environment, even the most beloved schools must adapt. “You wouldn’t even know there’s a school here,” say many parents, alluding to SJSP’s discreet location. Its striking, arc-shaped modern hall is barely visible from the road, giving the school an intimate, almost secretive feel that many families cherish.

Now, however, the governors are focusing on making the school more visible—both to potential students and the wider community.


 The Academy solution: A bold new chapter 

The decision to join an academy group is not one that SJSP’s governors have taken lightly. For a school with deep roots in its local community, maintaining its unique identity and close connections with families is a top priority.

Joining an academy group, they believe, will allow SJSP to retain its independence while benefiting from the additional resources, expertise, and support that larger academy groups can provide. By partnering with an academy group, SJSP can share best practices, access additional funding streams, and benefit from economies of scale that will help it weather the demographic crisis currently affecting primary schools.

More importantly, the governors are confident that joining an academy group will enable SJSP to continue offering the high-quality education and community programs that have made it such a treasured part of the Islington-Hackney border. "We want to safeguard what makes SJSP special—our community bonds, our resourceful staff, and the unique character of our school,” said one governor. “Joining an academy is the best way to ensure that SJSP can continue to flourish for years to come.”


Innovation to boost numbers: The Mildmay Trust Grant

To further boost enrolment and attract new families, SJSP and the Mildmay Trust have introduced an innovative scheme: grants of up to £1,000 will be open to pupils who join in 2025. These grants are designed to encourage students with a passion, talent, or interest that will enrich the school community, from sports and arts to science and music.

“This is the first time we’ve seen a grant program like this for primary education in Islington,” said one of the school’s leaders. “It’s a reflection of our commitment to keeping SJSP at the heart of this community, even as we evolve and adapt.” Applications for the Mildmay Trust grants will close on 1st December, and the school hopes that this groundbreaking initiative will inspire more families to consider SJSP as the ideal place for their child’s education.

Apply Now - Enrichment Grant Scheme


A school with a bright future

While the challenges facing SJSP and other local schools are undeniable, the community remains hopeful that the school’s rich history and strong sense of purpose will carry it through this difficult period.

With the support of the Mildmay Trust and the exciting prospect of joining an academy group, SJSP is positioning itself to meet the needs of future generations while continuing to serve as a vital hub for the local community.

“Ultimately, this is about protecting our school for the long term,” said a school governor. “SJSP has been here for 167 years, and with the right support, we believe it will be here for another 167.”

As SJSP embarks on this new chapter, the school remains committed to inclusivity, creativity, and community. And for the families who have long considered it their “hidden gem,” SJSP’s future is looking brighter than ever.


For more information about the Mildmay Trust grants and how to apply, visit the school’s website or contact the admissions office directly.

Tel: 020 7254 5598

Email: admin@sjsp.islington.sch.uk

Apply Now - Enrichment Grant Scheme

St Jude & St Paul's CE Primary School, 10 Kingsbury Road, London N1 4AZ