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London’s School Closures Widen: Islington Parents and Teachers Fight to Save Their Communities

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April 27, 2025
5 min read

London’s School Closures Widen: Islington Parents and Teachers Fight to Save Their Communities

London primary school closures have deepened with confirmation that two more schools in Islington will shut this summer, underlining growing concerns about the future of education across the capital.

St Jude and St Paul’s and Highbury Quadrant primary schools are set to close their doors for good on 31st August after Islington Council approved the closures at a cabinet meeting this week. Parents, pupils and teachers rallied outside the Town Hall ahead of the decision, desperate to save their schools, but the council has warned that falling pupil numbers and funding shortfalls have left few alternatives.

The council says St Jude and St Paul’s is operating at just 54% capacity, the lowest enrolment rate in the borough, while Highbury Quadrant is “more than half empty.” Projections show financial deficits for both schools could stretch to nearly £1.5 million combined by the end of 2026/27.

Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo, executive member for children and young people, described the situation as a “major challenge” for the borough and London as a whole, warning that reduced pupil numbers are directly impacting school budgets and, ultimately, the quality of education. “Closure is always an absolute last resort,” said council leader Una O’Halloran. “We’ve listened carefully to feedback from teachers, parents and carers, but sadly, there just aren’t enough pupils.”

This development follows Hackney Council’s decision earlier this week to shut four of its primaries, as London grapples with a widespread school funding crisis. According to recent figures, at least 20 primary schools are expected to close across the capital this year alone. The trend is driven by a combination of falling birth rates, high housing costs pushing families out of inner London, and government funding models that tie support to pupil numbers, as explained in National Association of Head Teachers guidance.

Feelings of frustration and disappointment were palpable at the meeting, where parents and teachers challenged the council’s reports, with one stakeholder describing them as “riddled with inaccuracies.” Despite this, council officers defended the decisions as being based on clear financial evidence and legal advice.

Many parents had hoped the two schools could merge, preserving at least one site. Jon Stansfield, vice-chair of governors at St Jude’s, argued this option had not been fully tested. However, council officials insisted that a merger would likely delay inevitable closure and could cause further uncertainty for families.

Highbury Quadrant caretaker Mark Gillespie acknowledged the difficulty facing the council but urged for more “human” consideration. Meanwhile, Andri Andreou, a parent at St Jude’s, said families were not giving up:

“The council has not won this battle. We continue to fight for our children’s rights and future.”

Teachers, too, are feeling the emotional toll. “I feel very numb and in shock,” said Phoebe Oakley from Highbury Quadrant, reflecting the deep personal impact closures are having on staff. Carly Slingsby, a teacher in neighbouring Hackney, shared similar sentiments earlier this week, saying: “I have never seen so many of my colleagues in tears.”

While the closures are set to go ahead, Islington Council plans to work with other London boroughs to lobby the government and City Hall for a rethink on school funding mechanisms. Jon Abbey, director of children’s services, confirmed that talks with Ofsted, the Department for Education, and unions had already begun, aiming to press for fairer funding arrangements that recognise the challenges facing inner London schools.

Opposition leader Cllr Benali Hamdache (Green Party) did not mince his words. “It’s time to call this what it is: a school funding crisis. Our new government simply isn’t providing enough support.” He warned that closures near borough boundaries risk pupils – and vital funding – being lost to neighbouring areas.

The fight over London’s school closures is likely to intensify in the months ahead, with families, teachers and councils caught in a complex battle between local needs and national policies.

For more updates on London primary school closures and education news across the capital, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.