London, Proposal To Close Two Schools Due To Falling Pupil Numbers

STATUTORY NOTICE

PROPOSAL TO CLOSE ST PETER-IN-CHAINS RC INFANT SCHOOL AND ST GILDAS’ CATHOLIC JUNIOR SCHOOL, OAKINGTON WAY, LONDON N8 9EP DfE NO. 309/3506 AND 309/3509

Notice is given, in accordance with Section 15 (1) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (as amended by the Education Act 2011) and the School Organisation (Establishment and Discontinuance of Schools) Regulations 2013, that Haringey Council proposes to close St Peter-In-Chains RC Infant School and St Gildas’ Catholic Junior School, Oakington Road, London N8 9EP with effect from 31 August 2025.

On the 22 April 2025, Council’s Cabinet agreed to proceed to publishing this statutory proposal for closure because of the significant decrease in pupil numbers at the school.

This decision followed an informal consultation on the proposals, which took place from 24 February to 24 March 2025.

Fewer children on roll means less government funding for schools to operate, which over time creates significant financial pressures. The link between pupil numbers and school funding means that it is not always feasible to keep a school operating to guarantee the standard of education families and pupils deserve. Should the decision to close St Peter-In-Chains RC Infant School and St Gildas’ Catholic Junior School be taken, all children still attending will be supported to find places at alternative schools in line with parental preferences and/or availability of places within the area starting in September 2025.

Within four weeks from the date of publication of this notice, any person may object to or make comments on the proposal by either:

a) Emailing objections, comments, or questions to: schoolconsultation@haringey.gov.uk 

or

b) Writing to: School Admissions, 5th Floor, Haringey Council, 48 Station Road, London N22 7TY.

Responses must be received by 5pm on 4 JUNE 2025 when this statutory notice and the representation period are due to expire. In line with the requirements of Schedule 2, Paragraph 18 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (as amended by the Education Act 2011), a decision must be taken by the decision maker no later than two months following the expiry of the representation period. Therefore, Haringey Council’s Cabinet must make a final decision on the proposal in the July 2025 Cabinet meeting (subject to a 5-day call in period), otherwise, it must refer the decision to the Schools Adjudicator.

This Notice is an extract from the complete proposal. Copies of the complete proposal can be viewed at: https://stpetersandstgildasconsultation.commonplace.is. If you require a paper copy of this, please contact us via email at: schoolconsultation@haringey.gov.uk. If you need this document to be translated into another language, please contact us as soon as possible by emailing us at: schoolconsultation@haringey.gov.uk

Jane Edwards

Director for Schools and Learning

7 MAY 2025