Statutory notice proposes closure of St Dominic’s school
Today (Thursday, 19 January), the Governing Body of St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School has published a statutory notice proposing the closure of the school.
Following a community consultation, the Governing Body of St Dominic’s Primary School has taken this decision to issue the notice. The proposal arises from a steep fall in pupil numbers, which affects the future viability of the school.
Despite the steps taken by school governors and leadership of St Dominic’s to actively market the school to increase enrolment, there is still a huge challenge of falling pupil numbers locally and across London. This is adding significant financial pressure on the school and why the Governing Board has taken the decision to propose closure of the school.
If the proposal is agreed, all pupils would be offered places at alternative local schools, including local Catholic schools, and the school would close formally on 31 August 2023. The school would remain open until that point, and we want to reassure parents that the school would continue to offer all pupils a high-quality education. Anyone can formally object or comment on this proposal, until midnight on 16 February, before a final decision is made in March 2023.
At the start of the community consultation, the school had a total of 121 pupils on roll and 89 vacant places, which is one the highest proportions of surplus provision in Camden.
All pupils will be guaranteed the continuation of their education within a Camden school. The Council and Diocese would work with all parents to look at the available options for school places, including local Catholic provision.
You can object to or make comments on this statutory proposal by emailing stdominics@camden.gov.uk.
The closing date for responses is Thursday, 16 February 2023 at midnight.
A decision on the future of the school is scheduled for the March 2023 Cabinet meeting.
For more information on the proposal, please visit: camden.gov.uk/stdominics.