Parents are concerned as four Camden schools rated good or outstanding by OFSTED are being threatened with closure.
The four faith schools: St Joseph’s, St Patrick’s, St Alban’s and La Sainte Union (LSU), were moved into a public consultation period by Camden Council on Monday, which will last for six weeks.
During this timeframe, parents, carers, staff and residents will be invited to share their views on proposals regarding the future of the schools, which could include closures, before any final decisions are made.
Online petitions are imploring the council to take whatever measures possible to prevent closures.
One Change.org petition to “Save La Sainte Union Catholic School” has already gained over 4,000 signatures.
LSU teaching assistant, Rayaka Andonova, 52, said: “I am fascinated by this school because the students are really good and polite, the teachers are really good and the environment is nourishing.
“My concern is also what will happen to the buildings if the school closes.”
The petitions claim the closures of these schools will not only create uncertainty and disruption to parents and children currently attending these schools, but also trigger a detrimental impact to the wider community.
Another petition to save St Joseph’s stated: “Knock-on effects of closures could reach community hubs, clubs and local businesses that our families use and support.
“Sending children elsewhere risks weakening those everyday connections and making families more isolated.”
In a statement on Camden Council’s website, a spokesperson said: “We want to work closely with parents, carers, staff, pupils and local communities to understand their views and ideas before any decisions are made.”
The decision was announced by Camden Council on October 21, who attribute it to financial pressures faced by the schools, driven by falling pupil numbers as a result of rising housing costs and a falling birth rate in the area.
Whilst the council’s ‘Strong and Sustainable Schools Programme’ has provided support for struggling schools over the years, financial issues continue to prevail, pushing the council to “consider further changes” to Camden’s schools to respond to these pressures.
The final decision will be announced in April, with contingent closures potentially taking place as soon as the next academic year.
The council has invited parents to contribute to these hearings, providing consultation packs which “explains the school data and each of the options in more detail.”
Despite the current uncertainty surrounding the consultations, prospective parents are still being encouraged to submit school applications for the upcoming academic year as normal.
Featured image credit: Francesca McArdle-King
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