Schools merger decisions pass
Changes due to falling pupil rolls and growing financial deficits
Friday, 27th June — By Tom Foot
A DECISION to “amalgamate” three schools has been rubber-stamped despite overwhelming opposition from parents and a campaign from unions against government funding cuts.
Barrow Hill Junior, Robinsfield Infant and George Eliot Primary Schools will become St John’s Wood Primary School.
The schools have made the decision due to a London-wide trend of falling pupil rolls and growing financial deficits.
Parents had strongly criticised the plan during the consultation – at Barrow Hill 76 of 78 parents were in opposition – and warned of teaching staff redundancies.
The letter from school governors to the schools’ parents said: “The governing bodies appreciate that this decision will bring abut some changes and perhaps a level of uncertainty.
“We want to assure you that the new school will build upon the strengths of Barrow Hill Junior, Robinsfield Infant and George Eliot Primary schools providing a seamless learning experience for all pupils.
“We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all pupils, staff, and for the wider community.
“We will continue to provide updates and information as we progress towards the amalgamation.”
It added that class sizes would “remain small” with an average of 22 and that a new school curriculum will offer a “rich and engaging and inclusive learning experience for all pupils”.
Cory Mclauchlan will be the headteacher of the new school.
Nursery to Year 3 will be taught on the George Eliot site in Marlborough Hill while Year 4 to Year 6 will be in the Barrow Hill site in Bridgeman Street.
Robinsfield School, Ordnance Hill, will be redeveloped to take in the children from George Eliot in the next two to three years. Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Primary School and St Mary of the Angels Catholic Primary School in Westbourne Grove are also set to merge for September.
The National Education Union is organising a wave of summer protests against funding cuts to schools in London by the Labour government.
The two merger decisions were rubber stamped by Westminster City Council’s cabinet this week.
