Repurposing vacant primary schools
As a result of the ongoing fall in numbers of primary school-aged children in Hackney, the Council made the difficult decision to close some primary schools in the borough.
Four primary schools closed in August 2024, and a further four in August 2025, leaving their former buildings available for other uses.
The Council is committed to keeping these buildings in our ownership and repurposing them so they can benefit Hackney residents and local communities.
The proposals coming forward have been developed with consideration of various opportunities, balancing the competing constraints of finances, planning rules and local needs.
Phase 1
Four school buildings in Hackney have remained vacant since September 2024 following a decision to close two primary schools, and merge two primary schools with other schools.
Colvestone Primary School
What’s proposed
Leasing out the buildings to an organisation who can provide a sustainable use for the Grade II listed building, with proposals that have a positive benefit for the local community particularly encouraged. Interested organisations will need to ensure any proposals are sustainable and financially viable.
Why this is proposed
The building is a landmark building in the centre of Dalston, close to Ridley Road Market and Kingsland High Street. It is also a listed building, with any future use required to protect the heritage of the building and ensure it can be managed and maintained in a sustainable way.
Any future use will need to be sustainable and financially viable, and would be subject to planning permission and approval from the government to change the use of the buildings from education.
What’s happening now
The Council has sought expressions of interest from education providers, charities, social enterprises and other organisations for the future of the building, and has received a large number of proposals. An update on the future of the building will be provided later in 2026.
Baden Powell Primary School
What’s planned
Reopening as a specialist school facility for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Why this is proposed
While the number of primary school pupils is falling, demand for additional support for children with SEND has grown significantly. Repurposing the school will give more children with SEND in Hackney the opportunity to attend a dedicated SEND school while reducing the Council’s reliance on more expensive out-of-borough or independent school placements.
What’s happening now
The Council decided to repurpose the former Baden Powell Primary School to offer 48 new special school places for children and young people with SEND, providing tailored support close to home, as part of an expansion of Ickburgh School in January 2026.
This will include:
- refurbished classroom spaces
- shared breakout and group areas
- specialist rooms for art and food technology
- new and improved staff and therapy spaces
- new finishes and fittings throughout the building
Randal Cremer Primary School and De Beauvoir Primary School
What’s proposed
Providing new housing to help tackle the housing shortage and keep families in the borough.
Why this is proposed
Hackney is on the frontline of the housing crisis, with thousands of families waiting for a permanent home and a growing number of households living in temporary accommodation..
What’s happening now
The Council is currently exploring different options for providing new homes on both schools, including looking at both permanent homes and temporary accommodation. Temporary housing would also allow for the possibility of the buildings being reconverted into primary schools in future if demand for primary school places increases.
Converting the school buildings is subject to planning permission and approval from the government to change the use of the buildings from education to housing.
The Council is currently developing proposals for the two sites and will share updates when possible.
Phase 2
A further four school buildings became vacant in September 2025 following a decision to close two primary schools, and merge a further two primary schools with other schools.
We’ll keep the community informed on proposals for the future of St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School in Homerton, Oldhill Community School in Stamford Hill and Sir Thomas Abney Primary School in Woodberry Down.
St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Stoke Newington, which also closed, is owned by the church.