The closure of Colvestone Primary School in Hackney has sparked considerable worry and distress among local families in the area. Initially intended to be a thriving green space, the school is now facing closure as part of the council’s initiative to shut down numerous local authority primary schools in the borough.
Helen Davis, a concerned parent and leader of the Save Colvestone Primary School campaign, has expressed disappointment with the council’s decision. The closure of Colvestone, as well as several other local authority primary schools in the borough, will result in the elimination of four schools. Additionally, at least 12 more local schools will come under scrutiny by the council in the near future.
The council maintains that the closure of Colvestone is a “merger” with another primary school, but Davis contends that the government’s “free-school presumption” prohibits councils from merging schools, allowing only for closure or protection. This closure will have a significant impact, particularly on pupils and the community, especially those with special needs who may struggle to transition to larger schools.
Davis and her group have been actively campaigning against the closure, attending public meetings, seeking information from the cabinet, and urging the council’s decision to be scrutinised by the borough’s Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel. Despite an independent review of the consultation by the council showing that the proposals were universally unpopular, with 89% of respondents in disagreement, the council has not proposed or consulted on any alternatives.
The implications of this closure are profound, as once a school is closed by the council, it cannot be reopened. With the impending development of new homes near Colvestone, a substantial number of children will reside in the area with an empty school at its centre. The council’s only option would be to hand over the building to a private company to open an academy, with no rental income and no oversight on its management and curriculum.
Davis stressed that the closure of schools in Hackney reflects wider issues in London, leading to a city that parents are increasingly choosing to leave due to school closures and cuts to maternity services. The closure of Colvestone Primary School has raised concerns about the future of education provision in the borough and its impact on the community’s children.
It is clear that the closure of Colvestone Primary School has not only captured the attention of local families but has also shed light on broader issues affecting London families. The consequences of these closures are significant and demand a more comprehensive and inclusive approach from the local council and authorities.
