Hundreds of South London kids face looking for new school as two primary closures confirmed

Lambeth councillors have rubber-stamped plans to close two primary schools after proposals to save one of them by merging the under-threat schools failed to progress. Head teachers at Fenstanton Primary School and Holy Trinity C of E Primary School in Tulse Hill, South London wanted the schools to merge in order to preserve primary education in the area and prevent 344 kids having to find new schools from next year.

But the council's Labour Cabinet waved through a decision to shut the two schools for good from September 2025 at a meeting on Monday (November 4). The approved plans allow for a merger to still go ahead if the schools bring forward 'viable proposals' to the council.

The plans approved by councillors also included the merger of Christ Church Primary SW9 in Brixton and St John the Divine C of E Primary School in Camberwell and the amalgamation of Glenbrook Primary School and Kings Avenue Primary School, both in Clapham.

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Cllr Clarie Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council, said the decision to close and merge several schools was a result of falling pupil numbers in Lambeth, which has resulted in schools receiving less funding. She added: "We know that with falling birthrates, Brexit, Covid and the cost of living crisis, inner London has been particularly badly hit with falling pupil numbers. We know other inner London boroughs have already closed schools and are in the process of closing more.

"School funding is calculated by the government and is paid per pupil. The formula calculating amount per pupil was changed by the previous government and very much to the detriment of Lambeth children with Lambeth schools losing millions over the past 14 years."

The number of pupils at Lambeth schools has fallen by a third in the last decade. The drop has left more than 500 vacancies in reception classes alone, the equivalent of 18 empty classrooms. The 68 schools funded by the council are forecast to be in a £23 million deficit by 2026/27.

Daniel Brookes, a teacher at Holy Trinity C of E School, branded the council's consultation over the school closure 'farcical' and said the school had done everything asked of it to reduce pupil numbers. He said: "My question to Cabinet is: how is closing both schools [Holy Trinity and Fenstanton] going to improve the lives of pupils and families? How are you going to make schools better by closing existing schools? How are you going to improve the quality of education?"

Abrilli Phillip, the council's Director of Education, said the decision to close the schools was about maintaining educational standards in the borough. She said: "Without managing surplus places, we are risking schools falling into a position where they are not able to manage their resources. [...] We looked at both schools, both schools have significant vacancies. [...] We recognise that has particular challenges around financial viability. [...] It is about maintaining high quality education. But we do support both schools bringing a counter proposal, as long as it is viable."

Got a story? Email robert.firth@reachplc.com

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