Note: These FAQs are for informational purposes only. For the latest details about the project and next steps please read the full Cabinet report.
Why was Randal Cremer Primary School proposed for closure, and not for merging with another school?
Randal Cremer Primary School has been severely affected by falling rolls. In 2014 there were 3% unfilled Reception places (2 places out of 60) and 4% unfilled places (15 places out of 420) across all year groups.
By January 2023 the surplus had increased to 36% unfilled Reception places (16 places out of 45) and 40% unfilled places (163 places out of 405, or more than 5 classes) across all year groups. There were a total of 16 offers made on national offer day for children to join the school in September 2023.
Based on the number of children on roll, 41% of the intended capacity of the Randal Cremer school building is unused.
* assumes 16 children join reception each year and that no children leave or join the school in other year groups. Based on reception to year 6 primary phase only.
Why wasn’t Randal Cremer proposed for a merger? Couldn’t it host a merger with another nearby school, especially as it has fantastic facilities and is easily accessible via public transport?
Options were considered for merging Randal Cremer with another school, but there was no local school located close enough with enough space to take all of the pupils. The Council also looked if there was an option for Randal Cremer to host a merger, but the schools that could be considered were too far away for a viable merger.
Are there sufficient places for Randal Cremer children in other nearby schools?
There are sufficient schools nearby with unfilled places that could host the pupils from Randal Cremer (such as Hoxton Garden, Sebright, St Monica’s and St John the Baptist, which are all under 0.45 miles away from Randal Cremer and all Ofsted rated Good or Outstanding).
If in December 2023 the Cabinet decides to close the school, the Council’s admissions team will be offering further information and support for families affected throughout the process.
Will families with more than one child be supported so that their children can all go to the same school?
Hackney Education will work closely with affected families to ensure all children are offered a suitable alternative school place, and there will be a dedicated officer in the Council to provide the assistance needed. We will ensure that siblings can move to the same school, unless families decide otherwise.
If the school closes will we be guaranteed a place in our chosen school, local to our home?
Until a final decision is made, parents are able to apply to transfer to a school they chose via the normal processes in place. Depending on the type of school they are interested in, its position and the demand for places, there may be different admission criteria (for example, if the preferred school is a voluntary aided one).
If the final decision is made by the Cabinet to close the school, there will be one-to-one support to make sure children secure places at suitable schools, including affording them extra priority for places at nearby schools and ensuring siblings are placed together.
What will happen with the nursery at Randal Cremer?
If the school closes the nursery will also close, and families will have to seek alternative early years provisions.
There is sufficient capacity in the nursery classes of maintained schools and in the private / voluntary sector to meet current demands for three and four year olds.
Where can I find more information about the project?
You can find the latest information in the latest Cabinet report. You can also access the initial information pack distributed to families in March 2023: Randal Cremer Primary School information pack.