A primary school in Newham, London, will close next year due to declining pupil numbers and a significant budget deficit. On October 16, 2023, Newham Council’s cabinet voted to approve the closure of Calverton Primary School in Custom House, which faces a deficit of £1.1 million. The decision follows consultations with parents and staff regarding the school’s future.
The council’s education leader, Sarah Ruiz, expressed her regret over the closure. “I am really sorry that it has come to this,” she stated, highlighting her personal connection to the school, which her daughter attended. Despite her sentiments, she acknowledged that maintaining the school was not feasible due to rapidly falling enrolment numbers, which have impacted funding.
Impact of School Closure on the Community
Calverton Primary School’s decline in pupil numbers has been more pronounced than that of other schools in the borough. As a result, the council has been compelled to reorganise classes and reduce staff across various institutions. In a consultation earlier this year, over 150 individuals voiced their opposition to the proposed closure, describing it as “deeply unfair” and “devastating for families.”
One concerned parent emphasised the crucial role the school plays in the community, stating, “Calverton provides not only education but also stability and support for families like mine.” The closure raises particular concerns for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Calverton is home to a dedicated resource provision known as the Treehouse, which supports pupils with more severe learning difficulties.
A parent echoed the fears of many, stating, “The effect the closure will have on not only the SEND but all the pupils of Calverton will be utterly catastrophic.” The loss of the school threatens to disrupt the established relationships and support systems that have developed over the years.
Future Plans for Affected Students
Despite the challenges, Newham Council insists that there were no viable alternatives to closure. The council anticipates further declines in pupil numbers, exacerbating the financial situation. “This decision gives me absolutely no pleasure whatsoever,” Cllr Ruiz remarked, reiterating her commitment to finding solutions that best support affected families.
The council has stated that Calverton Primary School will officially close on August 31, 2026. Plans have been put in place to assist families during the transition. Whenever possible, the council aims to accommodate students in their preferred new schools and ensure that siblings remain together.
For children with SEND, early reviews of their education, health, and care plans will be conducted to identify suitable new schools. Council officers have assured parents that their children’s needs will continue to be met, with an emphasis on parental preference.
As the community grapples with this significant change, the council’s decisions highlight the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions amid shifting demographics and financial constraints.
