Proposed changes to Hackney primary schools

Overview

Hackney Council is consulting on changes that would affect up to six primary schools. This is because the significant fall in pupil numbers has caused the financial position of some of the borough’s schools to worsen to the point that it is no longer possible for the Council to maintain them. 

The proposals affect six primary schools. The consultation will run from 8 October to 19 November, 5pm. 

Please click on the links below to read the proposals and have your say:

1. Proposal to close St Mary's Church of England Primary School by 31 August 2025
2. Proposal to close St Dominic's Catholic Primary School by 31 August 2025 
3. Proposals on the future of Sir Thomas Abney Primary School
4. Proposal to expand Holmleigh Primary School from one to two forms of entry and merge the school with Sir Thomas Abney Primary School
5. Proposals on the future of Oldhill Community School
6. Proposal to expand Harrington Hill Primary School from one to two forms of entry and merge the school with Oldhill Community School

NOTE: The previous version of the St Dominic's proposal document included an error in the whole school roll number in the text on page 2. The roll number was correctly stated in the table on page 3. The error has now been corrected in school's consultation proposal document. 

Why are we consulting on these proposals?

In recent years the majority of London boroughs, including Hackney, have been experiencing a significant fall in pupil numbers. The reasons behind this are thought to include lower birth rates, the cap on housing benefits, and families leaving London (as a result of the housing crisis, the cost of living, Brexit, and the pandemic). 

Schools receive money from central government based on the number of pupils. This means that schools with a high number of unfilled places have less money for staff, resources, equipment, extracurricular activities, to pay bills and to carry out maintenance work. 

While our schools are recognised for their high performance and excellent results, they face significant challenges due to the reduced government funding caused by the falling rolls. Many schools have already told us that this is affecting their ability to fully support their pupils, especially those with the greatest needs.

We know that our schools have close ties to the local area and communities, sometimes over many generations. This makes these proposals very difficult, and not something we would choose if we felt there was a better option. 

If agreed, the proposed changes would take effect on 31 August 2025.

For more information please visit the Hackney Education website.

If you have any questions about this proposal, or if you require this document in a different format, please email school.sufficiency@hackney.gov.uk. We will consider your request and get back to you in the next five working days.