Consultation open on proposed changes to Hackney primary schools
Hackney Council is consulting on changes that would impact up to six primary schools in the borough, as a result of the significant fall in pupil numbers. This has caused the financial position of some of the schools to worsen to the point that it is no longer possible for the Council to maintain them.
The consultation is open between 8 October and 19 November.
The fall in pupil numbers has been observed in recent years in the majority of London boroughs, as a result of a series of factors including 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.
In May 2024 there were 577 unfilled reception places in Hackney (21%), and 4,808 unfilled places across all year groups (23%). A healthy percentage of empty school places is usually around 5%.
As schools are funded based on the number of pupils on roll, those 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.
Hackney’s primary schools currently receive over £28.5m less funding compared to what they would be entitled to if their classrooms were full.
The permanent closure of four primary schools in Hackney on 31 August 2024, together with reductions to the planned admission numbers to other schools across the borough, are expected to reduce the percentage of empty school places to 18% by 2025/2026. However, the most recent data shows that many Hackney schools are still far from seeing sustainable pupil numbers.
While our schools are recognised for their high performance and excellent results, they face significant challenges due to this reduced funding. Many schools have already told us that this is affecting their ability to fully support their pupils, especially those with the greatest needs.
Like many other local authorities, Hackney Council is facing enormous financial challenges, and needs to make substantial savings to be able to continue to protect the borough’s most vulnerable residents. The Council cannot afford to financially support schools that are not sustainable, and must continue to make difficult decisions to make sure our schools are fit for the future, and to protect the high quality education that Hackney is known for.
If agreed, the proposed changes will take effect on 31 August 2025.
More information about the proposals can be found in the Cabinet report and on the project’s page.
Those interested can share their views by taking part in the consultation until 19 November.
Our schools are amongst the best in the country, not just when it comes to school results, but also when looking at the wider support they offer to our families and communities. It is with great sadness that we have to consider once again potential closures or mergers of some of the schools most impacted by the falling rolls, despite their great performance.
Our Council, like so many other local authorities, is facing incredible financial challenges in trying to respond to the diverse needs of all our communities. It is our role to find the best possible solutions to make sure our schools are fit for the future, and to make the difficult choice of how to spend our very limited resources so that no child is left behind.
This problem is not just a Hackney issue. We will continue to work with our partners and ask for help from the central government to find long term solutions for all London boroughs, so that all our pupils can continue to receive the quality education they deserve.
Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor of Hackney and Cabinet Member for Education, Young People and Children’s Social Care