London,
25
April
2019
|
09:22
Europe/London

St Aloysius Catholic Primary School - consultation on closure

Joint statement from the Diocese of Westminster and Camden Council:

“The Diocese of Westminster and the governing body at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, following discussions with Camden Council, have decided to consult on closing the school.

“The decision to consult has been taken because in recent years there have been fewer applications for school places at St Aloysius, resulting in a falling number of pupils. This means that the school is no longer attracting enough funding to maintain current staffing levels. In addition, the school’s buildings need significant investment to bring them up to modern standards.

“In common with other London boroughs, Camden is experiencing a decline in the numbers of primary pupils, mainly due to a drop in the overall birthrate.

“Parents, staff and the local community will now be consulted about this proposal. However, preparations are being made ahead of any decision to offer reassurance and a clear way forward for families and staff if the governors’ proposal to close the school is agreed by the Council.

“Following the consultation, a decision is due to be taken before the summer term ends to give families greater certainty about the future of their children’s education. If the school closes, no child would be left without the offer of a suitable school place.”

Background information:

  • The nearest Catholic Primary School, Our Lady’s, will expand to accommodate children from St Aloysius
  • There are also currently places available in other local primary schools and families will have a choice of schools for their child if St Aloysius Catholic Primary School closes
  • Parents and carers will be given sufficient time to consider their options and support will be on offer for those families who need help with the decision
  • No child will be left without the offer of a suitable school place
  • Discussions will take place at an early stage with school staff and their unions to identify redeployment opportunities
  • Camden, in common with other London boroughs, is experiencing a decline in the numbers of primary pupils, mainly due to a drop in the overall birthrate – currently the equivalent of 200 pupils below what was forecast for 2018-19 by the Greater London Authority back in 2013.

Relevant documents: