Plans to shut a South London primary school less than a decade after it opened have received government backing. The Department for Education (DfE) has agreed in principle to close Oasis Academy Putney at the end of the academic year, allowing Oasis Community Learning to proceed with its closure plans due to falling pupil numbers.
Declining Enrollment
John Barneby, CEO of Oasis Community Learning, stated in February that the school had failed to attract enough pupils as families increasingly move out of the area, with the impact of Covid-19 and the rising cost of living contributing to this trend. Latest government figures show the school had only 121 pupils aged four to 11, despite having capacity for 420 students.
Barneby noted: "This trend is not unique to our community; schools across London and the country are facing similar challenges, with falling pupil numbers making it increasingly difficult to maintain financial viability. Despite extensive work with the local authority and other partners to explore every possible alternative, we have not been able to identify a sustainable solution that would allow us to deliver the excellent education that every child deserves."
School History and Ofsted Rating
The school opened in January 2017 on the site of the former Putney Hospital, which was demolished in 2012. It maintained a 'Good' rating from Ofsted in its latest inspection in December 2024, described as providing pupils with a "rich and ambitious curriculum."
Support for Pupils and Families
An Oasis Community Learning spokesperson confirmed that the trust's priority is ensuring every pupil, family, and staff member is fully supported during the proposed closure. The trust is working closely with Wandsworth Council and the DfE to secure alternative school places for all pupils.
The spokesperson added: "Since the proposal was announced, we have already supported many families to move through in-year transfers and continue to offer one-to-one guidance from senior leaders, so parents have clear, up-to-date information about next steps. Additional pastoral and PSHE support is in place to help pupils understand and manage the transition, and staff are working with receiving schools to ensure smooth handovers. For pupils with additional needs or vulnerabilities, we are working with families and the local authority to identify appropriate placements and ensure continuity of support."
Next Steps
The DfE will now explore the school's closure case in more detail before inviting feedback from stakeholders. The final decision will be made by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. If approved, the school will close in July.
