London Councils calls for reform of school closure procedures

A new report from London Councils warns that current school closure and merger procedures are “traumatic” and “hugely disruptive” for families and staff. Approximately 90 schools have closed or merged across London over the last five years, a trend expected to continue as pupil numbers decline.

The report highlights that lengthy consultation periods leave families in uncertainty regarding new school placements and leave staff unsure of their future employment. London Councils has called on the Department for Education to standardize these procedures and grant local boroughs more power to repurpose former school buildings quickly.

Data shows that between 2013 and 2023, the population of children under nine in London decreased by 99,100, even as the city’s overall population grew by 506,000. Factors contributing to this decline include the housing crisis and the cost of childcare, which have prompted families to move out of the capital.