Lambeth school closure plan ruled unlawful by adjudicator
The OSA did not dispute the council’s assessment that change is needed due to falling pupil numbers, which have declined by more than 1,000 over the past decade
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Lambeth Council’s plans to close two primary schools in the borough have been ruled unlawful by the Office of the School Adjudicator (OSA).
News of the ruling comes after the London council had agreed to close Fenstanton Primary School and Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School, citing a steep decline in pupil numbers across the borough.
However, a revised proposal to modify the closures, which would have given the schools more time to explore alternative options, has been rejected by the OSA on legal grounds.
The OSA decision relates specifically to the process used to modify the original closure plans. It did not dispute the council’s assessment that change is needed due to falling pupil numbers, which have declined by more than 1,000 over the past decade.
The Southwark Diocesan Board of Education had supported the closure of both schools and proposed the creation of a new voluntary aided school. The governing bodies of both Fenstanton and Holy Trinity also submitted a joint plan to amalgamate, keeping Holy Trinity open on the Fenstanton site. That proposal was also rejected.
Lambeth Council said it had acted on external legal advice throughout the process and would now seek discussions with the OSA and the Department for Education.
Cllr Ben Kind, cabinet member for children, young people and families at Lambeth Council, said: “This is a deeply challenging time for schools across London as falling pupil numbers impact education budgets and sustainability.
“While the OSA has taken a different view on one part of the process, we remain committed to learning lessons and moving forward constructively. We also apologise to the parents, pupils and staff at both schools.”
The council has warned that declining enrolments are putting pressure on school finances, increasing the risk of debt and reducing resources. This is because funding is allocated on a per-pupil basis.
Fenstanton and Holy Trinity have seen some of the sharpest falls in enrollment in the borough. Lambeth Council said it would continue working with communities to ensure sustainable school provision close to home.