Parents, children, and teachers from St Jude and St Paul's and Highbury Quadrant marched to Islington Town Hall to protest against plans to close their schools. The council reported falling pupil numbers leading to budget deficits, predicting that closures would affect educational quality. St Jude and St Paul's has a 46% vacancy rate, with its budget deficit projected to hit £484,000 by 2026/27. Highbury Quadrant is more than half empty, potentially reaching a nearly £1 million deficit. The council emphasized their proposals were supported by data and legal advice, leading to the announced permanent closures on August 31.
Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo stated that Islington faces a dire situation with declining pupil numbers, threatening educational quality and prompting potential school closures.
Victoria Lawson, chief executive, defended the council's school closure proposal as being based on sound financial data, legal advice, and thorough assessments.
Council leader Una O'Halloran expressed regret over the closures, citing St Jude & St Paul's as the lowest in pupil numbers and Highbury Quadrant's high vacancy rate.
Parents and teachers gathered at the Town Hall to voice their concerns and push back against the proposed school closures, highlighting inaccuracies in the council's reports.
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