St Mary’s Church of England Primary School FAQs

Why was St Mary’s Church of England Primary School proposed for closure?

The Council is proposing to close St Mary's Church of England Primary School because of the low number of children on roll. Having reviewed the school’s financial position against its reducing pupil roll the Council has concluded that the budget position is very likely to further deteriorate making it unsustainable in the medium term. To reach a sustainable financial position it is likely to compromise the quality of education and standards at the school. This would also have an adverse impact on children with the highest level of need.

The Council and the London Diocesan Board for Schools agree that despite St Mary's Church of England Primary School's ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, the number of children on roll are so low that they have had to teach children in mixed aged classes across two year groups. The curriculum has had to be narrowed so children are missing out on opportunities that would normally be available at other local schools. The school’s after school club has been affected by falling rolls and is no longer viable. 

More information can be found in the September 2024 Cabinet report and in the January 2025 Cabinet report.

Are there sufficient places for St Mary's Church of England Primary School children in other nearby schools?

There are sufficient places at other schools within statutory walking distance to accommodate all pupils on roll. The Council will be working closely with the Diocese to support families to move to other Church of England schools if that is their preference. The nearest alternative Church of England schools are St Matthias CofE Primary School (Hackney) and St. John's Highbury Vale CofE  Primary School (Islington), both approximately 20 minutes walk from St Mary's Church of England Primary School.

Analysis of vacancies at nearby schools shows that there is capacity to accommodate all Hackney pupils within statutory walking distance. More information can be found in the Appendix to the Cabinet report. 

If the decision is made 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? 

The council will work closely with affected families to ensure all children are offered a suitable alternative school place if proposals are implemented. A dedicated admissions officer will assist parents with information and guidance and will support families to apply for alternative schools. The council will ensure that applications for siblings are considered together and all children in the same family are offered places together at the same school.

If the school closes will we be guaranteed a place in our chosen school, local to our home?

If the council decide to close the school in April 2025, then from that decision until the end of the school year, children whose school will close will be given extra priority for places at most Hackney schools (ie. those where the council is responsible for admissions).

The council will offer all children a place at a suitable alternative school, but it is not possible to guarantee places at each parents preferred school as some schools may be full already.

Parents have the right to apply to other schools and move their children at any time via the council’s In Year Admissions process.

Why wasn’t St Mary's Church of England Primary School proposed for a merger? Couldn’t it host a merger with another nearby school?

A merger with another school was considered but the Council and the London Diocesan Board for Schools agreed there was no suitable school partner.

Where can I find more information about the proposals?

You can read the full statutory notices on the Council's consultation page.

Can I still share my views on the proposals?

A 28-day representation period began on 6 February, when the Council published statutory proposals. 

Any person may object to or make comments on the proposals within four weeks of the date of their publication by:

The last date for receiving responses is 5 March 2025 at 5pm.

This page was last modified on: 5 Feb 2025
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