Westminster City Council has stated that no schools are planning closures or amalgamations "this academic year" as they confront challenges from declining pupil numbers and strained finances. This statement follows a Schools Forum meeting in January, where an independent review by research company Isos assessed future school place planning in the borough.
Schools Forum Meeting Details
The Schools Forum meeting, held on January 19, included representatives from Westminster schools, council officers, and Cabinet Member Cllr Aicha Less. Minutes from the meeting noted that an overview of the Isos report was provided, which reviewed options for future school place planning. Due to the May elections, no formal decisions could be made before the pre-election period, but informal work could continue. Governor-led consultations with school communities could begin from summer onward. A deadline after the election was emphasized, as some schools already face significant deficits.
Key Discussion Points
The forum discussed the pros and cons of co-locating services in schools, citing successful examples like St John's Wood Primary. It was noted that "significant emotional challenges are expected in this process" and that information should be restrained within working groups until it is safe to share more widely.
Isos Review Findings
The Isos review, obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), investigates how to ensure the financial viability of Westminster's state-funded schools by 2030-2035 while maintaining high educational quality. The report highlights efforts to address falling pupil rolls but projects that 53% of school sites will be in deficit by March 31, 2026. Options for less financially viable schools include amalgamation, closure, and conversion. The report warns that allowing non-viable schools to remain open puts other schools and the local authority's finances at risk. Isos recommends having a preferred option for at-risk schools within four months, enabling recommendations to elected members after the May elections.
Council Response and Controversy
Stuart Love, Chief Executive of Westminster City Council, confirmed that no schools have approached the council about future closures. He stated: "No Westminster schools have any planned closures this academic year and none have approached us with any plans for future closures or amalgamations." He acknowledged pressures on schools but emphasized ongoing work to ensure financial stability and high-quality learning, noting that every Westminster school is rated good or outstanding.
However, a source raised concerns about the restraining of information noted in the forum minutes and Cllr Less's comments to the Westminster Extra, where she denied claims of school closures. The source alleged that Cllr Less was aware of closure plans due to her presence at the forum. Cllr Less referred the LDRS to the council's press team. The source criticized the council for withholding the Isos report from the public for seven weeks, scheduling the next Schools Forum for May 11, just four days after the election.
Recent Amalgamations
Westminster has seen several school amalgamations in recent years due to falling pupil rolls, including Barrow Hill Junior School, Robinsfield Infant School, George Eliot Primary School, and Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Primary School merging with St Mary of the Angels Catholic Primary School.
