As the birth rate in London declines, several primary schools in North London, including Sir Thomas Abney and Highbury Quadrant, are set to close, sparking concerns from parents and teachers. The closures are the result of half-empty classrooms and dwindling funding, exacerbated by families leaving the capital due to the cost-of-living crisis. In Hackney, enrollment has plummeted over the past years, leading to significant budget deficits in schools like Highbury Quadrant. Islington Council describes these closures as a last resort, a move criticized for its lack of foresight and potential impact on vulnerable children.
The closure of Sir Thomas Abney Primary School by Islington Council, merging it with Holmleigh, highlights the severe impact of falling birth rates on local education.
Hackney has seen a dramatic decrease in primary school enrollment, losing 2,399 school-aged children from 2017 to 2024, with the situation expected to worsen.
Islington Council labeled the closure of Highbury Quadrant and St Jude and St Paul's schools as a last resort, having exhausted every alternative to retain them.
Parents and educators expressed concern that school closures driven by financial issues may disrupt education, especially among children with special educational needs.
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