Soho Parish Church of England primary school, nestled between a strip club, a West End theatre, and a pub, has been a fixture of inner London for decades. However, with pupil numbers plummeting from nearly 180 before Covid to an expected 65 next September, the school's future is uncertain. It is the last remaining school in an area that once had 16.
Parents express concern over school's fate
Parents collecting their children on Great Windmill Street this week described being left in the dark by the school and Westminster council. One parent said the school offered the last vestige of 'normal family life' in Soho, adding: 'Without this school it's all just tourists, isn't it?' Another noted that families are scarce in the area, with mainly elderly and single residents, blaming the council for not providing more family housing.
The school received a temporary reprieve last month when the governing body abandoned plans to amalgamate with another Church of England school in Fitzrovia. But with Westminster council reviewing school provision, anxiety remains high.
School's financial challenges
A school spokesperson stated: 'Our falling roll means that our revenue reserves deficit continues to grow. We are having to look at all options to explore how to support the school to continue to thrive.' Sources say Westminster council has accrued a £1m deficit keeping the school open, even after an estimated £1m in external fundraising.
Campaign to revive the school
Alice MacDonnell, a former parent, is leading efforts to transform the school into a creative community school. She noted that Covid caused many commuting parents from outer London to leave. 'What is needed is a creative community school, inspiring creative thinking,' she said. The campaign has gained support from Mark Featherstone-Witty, founder of the Brit School.
Political and council responses
Hannah Galley, Westminster's cabinet member for children and education, said: 'Falling pupil numbers are affecting schools right across central London. We're working closely with the school, parents, and the diocese to look honestly at every option.' Rachel Blake, Labour MP for Cities of London and Westminster, urged the council and diocese to stabilise the school's leadership and develop a sustainable approach.
Westminster has seen the largest decline in primary pupil numbers among local authorities, a fall of 16% in five years. Nationally, primary and nursery numbers are forecast to fall by nearly 473,000 by 2031, equivalent to over 1,500 primaries without pupils.
